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Flashcards in American Crocodile Deck (24)
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1
Q

What is the range and habitat of the American crocodile?

A

It is found from the tip of Florida to the northern part of South america in saltwater or brackish rivers, lakes, lagoons, islands, beaches, and swamps.

2
Q

True or false, the saltwater crocodile is the only species of crocodile to live and thrive in saltwater.

A

False. The American crocodile frequents saltwater as well.

3
Q

How long can an American crocodile get?

A

Males can reach over twenty feet but average around 15. Females rarely get over twelve.

4
Q

What do American crocodiles eat?

A

Their diet is mostly fish, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. They only occasionally eat large mammals.

5
Q

Are American crocodiles aggressive?

A

Yes, but less so than other crocodiles and attacks on humans are rare.

6
Q

Where does the phrase “crocodile tears” come from?

A

It comes from the fact that a crocodile has lachrymal glands that produce tears when it is eating. They also cry on other occasions.

7
Q

Name some adaptions of the American crocodile.

A

Nictating Membrane: Allows them to see underwater.
Crushing Jaws: Allows them to break the bones of prey.
Camoflague: The cryptic coloring allows it to hide and sneak attack its prey.
High eyes and nostrils: Allows them to peek over the surface while remaining submerged.
Strong tail and webbed feet: Allows them to swim easily.
Salt gland: Allows them to inhabit salty waters.

8
Q

How fast can an American crocodile swim?

A

Up to 20 mph.

9
Q

How much can an American crocodile weigh?

A

Over a ton.

10
Q

True or false, American crocodiles are not as tolerant of cold climates as American alligators.

A

True. American crocodiles are strictly tropical animals.

11
Q

What animals do American crocodiles have cleaning symbiosis with?

A

Fish. This contrasts with old world crocodiles, who rely mostly on birds.

12
Q

What are some predators of the American crocodile?

A

None except man. It is an apex predator.

13
Q

When do American crocodiles primarily hunt?

A

Right after nightfall.

14
Q

Is body size or age more important in determining maturity in American crocodiles?

A

Body size.

15
Q

How long are female american crocodile when they are sexually mature?

A

Around ten feet.

16
Q

What determines the sex of a crocodile baby?

A

Temperature.

17
Q

How many eggs does the American crocodile lay?

A

30 - 70 (depends on her size)

18
Q

How long is the incubation period of the American crocodile?

A

75 - 80 days

19
Q

Do American crocodiles guard their nest?

A

Yes.

20
Q

How do mother American crocodiles care for their young?

A

She will help them get out of their eggs. Then she will carry them in her mouth to the water and watch them for a few weeks after they are born.

21
Q

How do male American crocodiles call to the female?

A

They make low-frequency bellows.

22
Q

Are American crocodiles threatened?

A

Yes. They are overall vulnerable and endangered in some parts of their range.

23
Q

What are some threats to the American crocodile?

A

Fishing, pollution, loss of habitat, hunting, and removal of wild animals for farming. Population numbers are generally data deficient.

24
Q

How many American crocodiles are left in South Florida?

A

It is estimated to be between 500 and 1200.