Crocodilians (krok-uh-DILL-ee-uns) are the alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials. They make up less than one quarter of one percent of all reptile species, yet nine of the ten heaviest reptiles on Earth are crocodilians. (The Leatherback Sea Turtle sneaks in at number four.) There are 27 species, sorted into three families: the true crocodiles, the alligators and caimans, and the gharial, a fish-eater from India with a very long, narrow snout. Almost all crocodilians live in the tropics, where it stays warm year-round. The two exceptions are the American Alligator and the Chinese Alligator, which can handle cooler winters. Crocodilians have thick bodies, four legs, and long snouts full of teeth.
This lesson is part of Certified Junior Herpetologist. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 30 hours).
