Page 90 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators
P. 90

TEETH
                    Crocodiles work a bit like a
                    jack-in-the-box, and so have
                    evolved sharp teeth and an
                    immense bite force to clamp                                                                           STEALTH
                    down on wriggling prey and
                    prevent them from escaping.                                                                           Crocodiles have evolved so that
                                                                                                                          their eyes, nose and ears sit at
                                                                                                                          the top of their skull. This allows
                                                                                                                          them to reach the best possible
                                                                                                                          position in the water before
                                                                                                                          attacking their prey.











































































                                                               Crocodiles






                                                               Night-time feasts are how this predator survives


                                                               Crocodiles are ferocious ambush predators
                                                                                                                    They have evolved in such a way that their
           © All images on spread: Thinkstock                  saltwater crocodile reaching lengths of up           of their skulls, allowing them to take in as
                                                                                                                    eyes, ears and nostrils sit at the very top
                                                               that can grow to immense sizes, with the
                                                                                                                    much sensory information as possible while
                                                               to seven metres (23 feet) and weighing
                                                               over 454 kilograms (1,000lbs). Using their
                                                                                                                    the majority of their body remains hidden
                                                                                                                    beneath the water.
                                                               tough and camouflaged hides they will wait
                                                               in the murky water for prey to come close
                                                                                                                       As nocturnal hunters, they have adapted
                                                                                                                    excellent vision in low-level lighting, an
                                                               before explosively lunging, grasping the





          90                                                   unsuspecting animal in their powerful jaws.          advantage they hold over some of their most
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