3D Painting with crocodiles from Madagascar

The crocodile (Crocodylidae) are a family of the crocodilian order (Crocodilia). Under this family are the largest species, and some fearsome extinct species. There are 15 species to the 25 types of crocodilians is the largest group. Alligators, caimans and gavials his or crocodilians but belong to different families. Crocodiles have a wide range and are found in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America, and all the alligators in North and South America. The largest species is the Estuarine, which is the record of 8.25 meters. With a maximum length of less than two meters, the dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) the smallest species. The extinct deinosuchus perhaps up to 15 m long. It is not certain whether deinosuchus is a member of the Crocodylidae. It was in any case, a close relative. Apart from the size of the largest species, there are some physical characteristics that distinguish crocodiles gavials (Gavialidae), alligators and caimans (Alligatoridae). Firstly, the skull; Crocodiles have a longish skull relatively normal width. The crocodiles have no tongue and the caiman, alligator and the Gharial though, and the crocodile has a lobe, which is under its beak a pocket. Crocodiles are on average significantly larger and are generally more dangerous. The teeth are the key to the distinction with other families. At the front crosses the fourth pair of choosing outside the lower jaw, which fit in a recess of the upper jaw. The rest of the teeth is hidden in the mouth when it is closed. In alligators, these protruding teeth absent, and gavials stabbing all the teeth out. Crocodiles are polyphyodonts and can replace all of their teeth 80 to 50 times in their 35-75-year lifespan. Next to each adult tooth there is a small and a replacement tooth in the dental lamina odontogenic stem cell that can be activated. Most species prefer fresh water, but some of which can be observed at sea. Only the Estuarine lives more at sea than in fresh water and can travel great distances. Besides a bite a crocodile can save tremendously with the tail. The Nile crocodile and Estuarine species are the most dangerous and responsible for hundreds of deaths each year in Asia and Africa. In the short distance crocodiles very fast. Many species can even run a piece. The reflexes are very well developed to surprise prey or for defense. The jaws are powerful and contain many rows of teeth to tear meat. Crocodiles are opportunistic hunters who wait in ambush for prey and strike quickly like a prey animal is within range. Often a prey torn by multiple copies of documents. There have been sightings of large ungulates, lions and even sharks who fell prey to crocodiles.