CROCODILES are large reptiles found in tropical regions. They belong to the family Crocodylidae and are known as the members of the order Crocodilia, which also includes caimans, gharials and alligators. There are thirteen species of crocodiles, hence they come in many different sizes. The smallest crocodile is the dwarf crocodile. It grows to about 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) in length and weighs between 13 to 15 pounds (6 to 7 kilograms).
Crocodiles basically cannot sweat like we do to cool down. Reptiles cannot generate much body heat of their own so they must depend [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] on the warmth from outside. They deliberately warm themselves by basking in the sun or on a warm surface. When they need to cool off, crocodiles choose to lie in the shade or enter the water. Crocodiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is derived from the external environment. Their skin is specially designed to absorb heat and maintain temperature. Another way they keep cool is by opening their mouths in a process called “mouth gaping” which is a lot like panting.
Crocodilians have evolved to maximize heat gain and minimize water loss. They evolved other methods of cooling, by opening their mouths and essentially sweating through their mouths. If you visit the zoo and see the crocs sitting with their mouths open, they’re just trying to cool down a little bit.[/ihc-hide-content]
