Page 188 - Ultimate Visual Dictionary (DK)

ANIMALS

Crocodilians SKULLS OF CROCODILIANS

and turtles

GHARIAL
CROCODILIANS AND TURTLES BELONG to different orders in the class Reptilia. (Gavialis gangeticus)
The order Crocodilia includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials.
Typically, crocodilians are carnivores (flesh-eaters), and have a long
snout, sharp teeth for gripping prey, and hard, square scales. All
crocodilians are adapted to living on land and in water: they have four
strong legs for moving on land; a powerful tail for swimming; and their
NILE CROCODILE
eyes and nostrils are high on the head so that they stay above water while (Crocodylus niloticus)
the rest of the body is submerged. The order Chelonia includes marine
turtles, terrapins (freshwater turtles), and tortoises (land turtles).
Characteristically, chelonians have a short, broad body encased in a
bony shell with an outer horny covering, into which the head and limbs
can be withdrawn; and a horny beak instead of teeth. AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
(Alligator mississippiensis)
SKELETON OF A CROCODILE Thoracic Lumbar
Cervical vertebrae vertebrae Sacrum
vertebrae Caudal
Skull vertebrae

Rib Tarsals
Mandible
Scapula
Femur
Humerus Tibia
Fibula
Radius
Upper eyelid
Ulna Phalanges Metatarsals
Snout Eye with vertical pupil
Lower eyelid Dorsal scale

Tooth
Tongue

EXTERNAL FEATURES
OF A CAIMAN
Belly Ventral scale
Foreleg
Forefoot with 5 toes Toe

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