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The eyes, ears and nostrils of crocodilians are positioned for use while the rest of the body is submerged. They have a well-developed bony palate, formed from several skull bones, similar to mammals. (image 3)
Crocodiles and alligators have an enlarged tooth near the front of the lower jaw, analogous to the canine in a mammal. In crocodiles this tooth tends to protrude, whereas in alligators it is normally more or less hidden in the living animal, fitting into a socket in the upper jaw, or between the upper teeth.
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1. Mississippi alligator skull
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2. Estuarine crocodile skull
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3. Alligator & crocodile skulls, ventral view
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Image 1
Stage - Adult
Area collected - USA
Source - Commercially reared
Image 2
Stage - Adult
Area - Australia
Source - Commercially reared
Acknowledgement:
Access to both specimens courtesy of a private collector
'Crocodilian Species List'. Despite the uninspiring title, this site does indeed deliver 'detailed information on all 23 of the world's living crocodilian species', with excellent links and references to boot.
'Crocodile Specialist Group'.
Another excellent website, focused on conservation.
'The Visible Alligator Skull'.
CT Scans and analysis of the skull of the alligator.
UMICH Animal Diversity Web
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Taxonomy :
Order - Crocodylia
Families - Alligatoridae & Crocodylidae
Dental Formula :
lots
Measurements :
Image 1
Condylobasal length - 209mm
Overall width 96-mm
Image 2
Condylobasal length - 222mm
Overall width - 128mm
Scientific Name :
Crocodylus - "pebble-worm", from the Greek kroke (pebble) and drilos (worm), presumably referring to its knobbly skin. Reptiles are often grouped with worms in classical texts.
porosus - "calloused" (Greek)
Alligator - From the Spanish 'el lagarto' (lizard)
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