essay on crocodile for grade 1

Essay on Crocodile

Crocodiles are extremely dangerous. They usually live in freshwater but can also live in saltwater. Crocodiles have sharp teeth that are perfect for tearing flesh and crushing bones. They use their long tails to propel themselves while swimming across the water’s surface and underwater. The crocodile is a reptile with a flat and wide head consisting of two fused sections, with a tough layer of skin on the upper part. It has short legs, which have three toes each. The tail can be pushed inside or outside of the body for protection or to help in swimming. The essay on crocodile helps children understand one of the massive reptiles on Earth. The essay on crocodile for kids is about the features of a crocodile.

It also mentions that while a crocodile is usually mistaken as a dangerous animal , in reality, they are not. People who lived during the old period hunted and killed crocodiles because they thought that they would harm crops and livestock. The essay also mentions that crocodiles can be found worldwide, but they are more likely to be found in and around water bodies.

Facts about Crocodiles

Crocodiles are reptiles that have tough outer shells. They have no scales, and their skin is made out of a layer of horny scales. The flesh is mostly yellow, but it can also be brown or green, depending on the type of crocodile. Crocodiles have powerful jaws that they use to catch prey. They also have sharp teeth that are used to bite through the tough hides of their prey.

They can grow up to 23 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Crocodiles have a protective hard shell around their body but scales or bony plates on their heads. Crocodiles use their sharp teeth to catch fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

Crocodiles are among the largest reptiles in the world but can be very small in size in some others. They have a long snout. Crocodiles mostly live in water, but they can also be found on dry land. Crocodiles are cold-blooded reptiles with scaly skin. They are also called ‘living fossils’ as they have been living on Earth from the time of dinosaurs.

To conclude, crocodiles are ponderous and appear similar to lizards. Kids would be interested to learn more about these reptiles. For similar essays and kids learning activities, visit BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay on Crocodile

What are some interesting facts about crocodiles.

Crocodiles are the largest living reptiles. They have an incredibly long lifespan, over 70 years old and weigh more than a thousand kgs.

How long can a crocodile grow?

A crocodile can grow up to 23 feet.

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Crocodile Facts & Worksheets

A crocodile is a large amphibious reptile. it lives mostly in large rivers, where it is an ambush predator, search for worksheets, download the crocodile facts & worksheets.

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Table of Contents

A crocodile is a large amphibious reptile. It lives mostly in large rivers, where it is an ambush predator. One species, the Australian saltwater crocodile, or saltie, also travels in coastal saltwater. In very dry climates, crocodiles may sleep until the dry season ends.

See the fact file below for more information on Crocodile or alternatively, you can download our 27-page Crocodile worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Quick croc facts.

• Crocodiles are large reptiles that can be found in the tropics of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. They are semiaquatic, which means they live in the water and on land.
• Crocodiles come from the order Crocodilia, which includes alligators and caimans, and are in the family Crocodylidae.
• There are fourteen species of crocodile.
• Because they are reptiles, they are cold-blooded and lay eggs. They rely on the sun to warm up their bodies.
• Crocodiles are carnivores , meaning they hunt prey and eat meat. Their preferred method of hunting is an ambush.
• Crocodiles are as old as the dinosaurs. They emerged around 55 million years ago. They can live up to 70 years old.

FEATURES OF A CROCODILE

• Since crocodiles are semiaquatic, they’ve evolved to be able to move on land and in the water.
• Crocodiles are streamlined so that they can swim in the water easily. They have a long and strong tail that propels them in the water. They tuck their feet next to their body when they swim.
• Their feet are webbed and help them to make fast turns in the water. Crocodiles have a claw on each toe. They use their feet and legs to walk around on land.
• A crocodile is an excellent swimmer but slow on land.
• Because crocodiles spend a lot of time in the water and are ambush predators, their eyes and nostrils are on the top of their head so the rest of their body is hidden under the water. They can close their nostrils when they go underwater.
• A crocodile has tough scaly skin. It is smooth and light-colored on their bellies and rough, dark-colored skin on their backs that is used as armor.
• Crocodiles breathe air and need to come up to the surface to breathe. They can hold their breath for more than an hour at a time.
• Crocodiles range in size, depending on their species. The largest crocodile is the saltwater crocodile from Australia which can reach lengths of 3.5 to 6 m (11 ft 6 in. to 19 ft 8 in.) and weigh 1,000–1,300 kg (2,200–2,900 lb). By contrast, the smallest crocodile is the dwarf crocodile from Africa, which is 1.5 to 1.9 m (4.9 – 6.2 ft) and weighs between 40 – 80 kg (88 – 180 lb).
• Despite their size, crocodiles have pretty small brains. They’re only about the size of a walnut!
• Crocodiles have around 80 teeth in their jaws at any time. When a tooth falls out, it is replaced with another one.

SENSES OF A CROCODILE

• As predators, crocodiles have sharp senses. 
• Crocodiles can see well at night and are mostly nocturnal hunters. It is believed that crocodiles can see color. Their eyes have a characteristic vertical slit-shaped pupil and they have a third eyelid to protect the eye while keeping their primary eyelids open.
• Crocodiles have a good sense of smell to help them find dead and decaying animals that they can scavenge. They also use their noses to sense pheromones and hormones of other crocodiles.
• A crocodile can hear well. 
• Even though the skin of a crocodile is thick and tough, they can still feel touch on their skin.

CROCODILE HABITAT

• Crocodiles live in rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands of tropical environments. Some crocodiles also live in brackish or salty water.
• They can be found in countries like those of central Africa, India, the northern part of Australia, Madagascar, countries in Central America, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
• Many crocodiles are threatened because of habitat destruction and conflict with humans who also need to use the water systems.
• Crocodiles are a type of hunter called ambush predators. This means they lie in wait for a long time before unsuspecting prey comes in close reach.
• When crocodiles are small, they’ll eat prey like small fish, lizards, tadpoles, mice, and birds. As they get larger, so they can hunt larger prey. The Nile crocodile can successfully hunt large animals like wildebeest and zebra.  
• Some crocodiles will even eat their own kind if they’re smaller than them.
• Some species of crocodile, like the slender-snouted crocodile, eat only fish.
• All crocodiles have very strong jaws and bites – the strongest of all animals. On a large Nile crocodile, this can be over 3,700 lbs of force. They leap and grab onto their prey using their many teeth and hold on tight. They will drown larger prey to kill it.
• Even though they have lots of teeth, they’re not serrated like a shark and so they need to twist and turn to rip off pieces of meat to eat.
• They do not chew their food. Instead, they swallow large chunks whole and powerful stomach acid helps break it down.
• As crocodiles are cold-blooded, their metabolism is very slow. This means that after they’ve eaten, they can go for a very long time before they need to hunt again. Some crocs can go for many months without eating. 
• Crocodiles can attack very quickly, but the rest of the time they are very slow. They will also aggressively chase away competitors when they scavenge on a carcass.

CROCODILE REPRODUCTION

• Crocodiles reproduce by laying eggs either in a hole in the ground or in mounds of plant matter. They rely on the heat of rotting plants or sun warming the ground to keep the eggs at the right temperature. 
• Female crocodiles generally lay their eggs at night. The number of eggs can range from less than 10 to up to 95 eggs. 
• The temperature of the nest will determine whether the babies that hatch are male or female.
• The eggs will hatch after around 80 days. Some species hatch after 65 days, while others take up to 95 days. 
• The eggs of a crocodile are leathery and not brittle like a bird’s egg. Baby crocodiles will tear it open with a sharp “tooth” on their nose.
• Baby crocodiles will call to their mother with chirps and squeaks. She will gather them in her mouth gently and take them to the water. 
• The mother croc will look after her young for up to a year. Even with this protection, only a few will survive to adulthood as they will be eaten by birds, fish, and other crocodiles.

CROCODILES AND HUMANS

• Crocodiles are dangerous predators and kill many people each year. This almost always happens when humans approach water for washing clothes, fetching water, or bathing.
• The most dangerous crocodiles are the Nile crocodile and the saltwater crocodile because of their size.
• Crocodile skin is popular in fashion and they are farmed for their leather. Crocodile leather is used for shoes, belts, handbags and wallets. 
• Crocodile meat is considered a delicacy by some cultures in the far east.
• Crocodiles are protected species in many parts of the world. 
• In Ancient Egypt, the god Sobek had a crocodile head.
• The Sakalava and Antandroy people of Madagascar believe that the crocodile houses the spirits of their ancestors and so give the animals food.
• Crocodiles can even be found in Hinduism where Varuna rides a sea creature that is part crocodile.
• In Western culture, crocodiles are viewed with more suspicion. The phrase “crying crocodile tears” suggests that a person is being insincere and crying fake tears. This comes from an old tale that a crocodile will cry fake tears to lure in their prey. Crocodiles cannot actually cry.

Crocodile Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Crocodile across 27 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about the Crocodile is a large amphibious reptile. It lives mostly in large rivers, where it is an ambush predator.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

• Crocodile Facts
• Croc Giants – Prehistoric Giants
• Modern Giants – News Article
• Ambush Word Find
• Get to Know Crocs – How It Works
• Big Croc Family
• Croc Puzzles

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Crocodile facts for kids

A crocodile is a large amphibious reptile . It lives mostly in large tropical rivers, where it is an ambush predator . One species, the Australian saltie , also travels in coastal salt water . In very dry climates, crocodiles may aestivate and sleep out the dry season.

Some scientists estimate that the modern type of crocodile appeared first in the Eocene period, while others believe its ancestors go much further back, to the Upper Triassic . The name "Crocodile" is also used for any member of the order Crocodilia . They are basically Archosaurs , a group which also includes the dinosaurs . There are many species of Crocodiles including the American, slender-snouted, and Orinoco crocodile .

The crocodile can snap its jaws shut quickly and with much power. But crocodiles have very little strength in opening their jaws, and a person could hold the jaws shut with their hands.

Crocodiles range in size from African Dwarf crocodiles that measure rarely over 5 feet to saltwater crocodiles that can approach 23 feet.

Description

What they look like, differences between crocodiles and alligators, interesting facts about crocodiles, images for kids.

Crocodiles live in rivers , lakes , and dams in parts of America , Asia , Africa , and Australia . Some of the crocodiles from Australia live in salt water. These saltwater crocodiles are normally bigger than the ones that live in fresh water . While crocodiles spend most of their time in the water, they can come out and move around on the land. Crocodiles cannot breathe underwater: they breathe air, just like people. They can hold their breath for a maximum of about two hours underwater. Some people feel threatened by crocodiles because they can be violent. However, some people find them fascinating.

Crocodiles' colors range from brown to grey or sometimes greenish-brownish. They have different shaped patterns covering them. They have sharp claws and teeth. Crocodile tongues are not free. They are held in place by a membrane that can not move. Crocodiles are unable to stick out their tongues.

Alligators and crocodiles are different in many ways. For example, in general:

• Crocodiles have salt glands, so they can live in saltwater habitats. Alligators usually live in freshwater habitats.
• Usually, crocodiles have longer and narrower snouts than alligators. Their snouts are shaped like a V; however, some crocodiles do have wide snouts. Most alligators have wide snouts that are shaped like a U.
• When its mouth is closed, you can see the fourth tooth on a crocodile's jaw. You cannot see that tooth when an alligator's mouth is closed.

Crocodiles mostly eat fish , amphibians , crustaceans , molluscs , birds , reptiles , and mammals , and they occasionally cannibalize smaller crocodiles. What a crocodile eats varies greatly with species, size and age.

All young crocodiles hunt mostly invertebrates and small fish , gradually moving on to larger prey. Crocodiles have a very slow metabolism , so they can survive long periods without food. Despite their appearance of being slow, crocodiles have a very fast strike and are top predators in their environment, and various species have been observed attacking and killing other predators such as sharks and big cats . Crocodiles are also known to be aggressive scavengers who feed upon carrion and steal from other predators. Evidence suggests that crocodiles also feed upon fruits.

• Since crocodiles cannot sweat , they open their mouths to keep cool. This is called “mouth gaping.”
• Crocodiles replace their teeth up to 50 times in their lifetimes, as opposed to humans, who have one set of baby teeth and one set of adult teeth.
• The bite of a crocodile is nearly three times as strong as a lion or tiger . It is the strongest bite of any animal in the world.
• The crocodile spins its prey to disorient them and to help limbs separate from the bodies of larger animals.
• The human expression “crocodile tears” means to show insincere emotion. Crocodiles shed tears when their lachrymal gland pushes water out when they swallow too much air.
• Because crocodiles cannot chew, they swallow stones to help their stomach break down the food they eat.
• A crocodile’s stomach is the most acidic of any vertebrate. They can easily digest bones, hooves and horns.

Skulls and scutes of American , Nile and Saltwater crocodiles , with post-occipital scutes highlighted in red, nuchal shield in blue and dorsal scutes in green

Crocodiles, like dinosaurs, have the abdominal ribs modified into gastralia .

A saltwater crocodile in captivity

Crocodile eye

Nile crocodile attacking wildebeest

Human Crocodile Conflict

Even a cruising crocodile is difficult to locate

Nile crocodile trying to swallow a big Tilapia in Kruger National Park, South Africa

A crocodile, in a farm, gaping to thermoregulate

Captive crocodiles resting together with open jaws.

Crocodile eggs

Crocodile farming in Australia

Crocodiles in Costa Rica

American crocodile at La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico

A skull of the extinct Voay robustus

Crocodile warning sign, Trinity Beach, Queensland , Australia

Famous 1876 editorial cartoon by Thomas Nast depicting Roman Catholic bishops in the US as crocodiles attacking public schools, with the connivance of Irish Catholic politicians

Crocodile leather wallets from a Bangkok crocodile farm

A plate of crocodile meat in teriyaki sauce in Helsinki , Finland .

Statue of Sobek from the mortuary temple of Amenemhat III c. 1810 BC. Ashmolean Museum , Oxford.

Brooklyn Museum – Plaque with Crocodile Deity, ca. 700–900.,33.448.12

• This page was last modified on 7 March 2024, at 15:31. Suggest an edit .

10 Lines on Crocodile

You must have seen a crocodile of you have ever visited any Zoo or a wild-life reserve. Watching them is a fun. Reading about them is as much fun as watching them. We have created some sets of 10 lines on Crocodile and provided below. You can read them and gain some advance information about crocodiles. So let’s begin right now.

Ten Lines on Crocodile in English

We are giving below some sets of 10 lines, 5 lines, 20 lines, few lines and sentences on Crocodile in English for Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. After going through these lines, you will know more about the Crocodile.

1) The crocodile belongs to the family of Alligators.

2) It is an amphibian and can survive on land as well as underwater.

3) There are various types of crocodiles like Salt-Water crocodile, Orinoco crocodile, and Cuban crocodile, etc.

4) The crocodiles eat the flesh of humans, birds, animals, and marine creatures.

5) They have got hard and dry skin to protect themselves from the attack of predators.

6) They are usually found near large water bodies like lakes, rivers, oceans, and seas.

7) They have sharp pointed teeth to bite the flesh easily.

8) Their teeth are not made for chewing, so they swallow their prey completely.

9) They don’t have a specific size as the different species of crocodile has a different length.

10) They also vary in lifespan, but most of them live for more than 70 years.

10 Lines and Sentences on Crocodile

1) The crocodile is a reptile, and it lays eggs.

2) Because of being an amphibian, it is capable of swimming efficiently in water.

3) The crocodiles are usually seen opened their mouth to cool their body temperature.

4) They usually have 80 different kinds of teeth in their mouth.

5) Eyes on the top of their head help them in hiding underwater to look for their prey.

6) They are nocturnal, and their night vision makes them a good predator also in the night.

7) As compare to land, crocodiles and move faster underwater.

8) Crocodiles can be the prey of big cats and large snakes like Python.

9) Their strong jaws help them in killing their prey in a single attack.

10) Most of the species of Crocodile are facing the threat of extinction in modern times.

5 Lines on Crocodile

1) A crocodile is a reptile.

2) They live in water.

3) They have four legs.

4) They have hard outer skin.

5) They have strong jaws.

20 Lines on Crocodile

1) Crocodile is stated as the successors of dinosaurs on earth.

2) Crocodile uses sounds like hiss, growl, grunt, etc. to communicate.

3) Crocodile has a great curiosity of learning new things.

4) Crocodile sense its prey by the sensitive receptors present in the scaly skin near the mouth.

5) Crocodile being nocturnal remain active in the dark.

6) The sweat glands are not present in crocodile.

7) It has an immovable tongue that is attached to a membrane in the mouth.

8) Human activities have resulted in the extinction of several living species of crocodiles.

9) The average lifespan of a crocodile is 50-80 years.

10) World Crocodile Day is celebrated on 17th June every year to make people aware of the condition of crocodiles in the world.

11) Crocodile is the largest reptile on earth and belong to the family Crocodylidae.

12) It is an amphibian so it spends its life partially on land and partially in the water.

13) It is adapted to both freshwater and saltwater.

14) The body color and pattern of the crocodile differ depending on the type of species.

15) Crocodile breathe by placing its head outside the water.

16) It applies smart tactics to catch its prey.

17) It uses its jaws for catching the prey and keeps holding them in it till their death.

18) The male crocodile can be easily differentiated as they are larger in size than the females.

19) 10-80 eggs are laid by a female crocodile at one time.

20) The baby crocodile is called as hatchling.

Crocodiles are very important for natural balance. They maintain biodiversity and contribute to the food cycle. Man of the modern time is killing them to meet their need like food, skin, teeth, and organs of crocodiles. We should always take this matter seriously, and think about conserving them through various means.

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Sample comparative essay: alligators and crocodiles.

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This MLA paper compares and contrasts alligators and crocodiles. It highlights his differences and traces their roots back to ancient times. This sample essay was written at the undergraduate level to serve as a sample for the Ultius blog.

Reptile review: alligators versus crocodiles

Some of nature’s scariest, meanest, and toughest of aquatic productions are alligators and crocodiles. Though similar, each is distinct and should not be confused for the other. The history, biology, and relevance of each is worth noting from both an environmental and zoological sense as they are creatures of power, intrigue, mystery, and mythology. In sum, each is a fascinating creature with unique and deadly characteristics.

Analyzing the crocodile

The crocodiles are the world’s largest documented reptiles. The average crocodile is 6 to 12 feet long however some have been found as long as 20 feet (6.1 meters) long. These crocodiles can weigh near one ton (2,000 pounds) (Welsbacher 7). For comparison, that is about as much as a lightweight car. Crocodiles have arrived at this size after million upon millions of years evolution. Indeed, they are one of the oldest animals on the planet whose beginnings trace back to the time of the dinosaurs who long ago went extinct (Welsbacher 7).

Crocodiles are members of the Crocodilia reptile Group. This family of reptiles, like all reptiles, is cold-blooded. The body-temperature thus changes to match their surroundings (Welsbacher 8). Crocodiles have short legs that are connected to long bodies and longer tails. The crocodile’s snout is relatively thin and pointed with narrow eyes which are situated in the high part of the head (Welbacher 8). Within this fierce looking head structure rests 60 razor sharp teeth. The crocodile ranges from olive green to gray in color with the belly generally showing a softer cream scale (Welbacher 8).

The color is plated upon the crocodile’s rock-hard scales, tissue that is made of keratin, the same material that fingernails are made out of. Some types of crocodiles also have scales on their backs which are pointed into hard points down or parallel to their spine known as scutes (Welbacher 9). Underneath these scutes are osteoderms, bony plates that help them to absorb heat from the sun. Indeed, sunning themselves is something that the crocodiles regularly.

When not sunning themselves, the crocodile can be found busying themselves with many different activities. The crocodile is known to walk over land with a good speed even in muddy areas (Welbacher 11). The crocodile is also liked for their ability to move through mud quickly as they crawl on their bellies. The galloping speed of the croc is 10 miles an hour, a pace most children could not keep up with (Welbacher).

While underwater, crocodiles are capable of holding their breath for as long as two hours. An amazing feat accomplished without the use of gills thanks their amazing ability to vastly slow down their heart. While underwater, crocodiles may drop their heart to just two to three beats a minute. This means that over the course of an hour submersion, the crocodile may only beat their heart a few dozen. Their achievement is all a part of an adapted skill they have developed in order to have masterful dives. Like scuba divers, the Crocodile must adjust its internal pressure so that they can stay submerged for as long as they need to for survival and hunting.

For example, when they first dive under the water, they will exhale their oxygen supply. In so doing, they equalize their internal pressure to match the water and therefore can have prolonged dives with, as their heart pace shows, absolute minimal effort (How Long?). The blood of the crocodile is also well engineered so as to distribute oxygen release in areas where it is most needed and conserve it where there already is high degree of oxygen (How Long?). Typically, however, the crocodile will only dive for fifteen minutes as this resurface rate permits greater activity needed to hunt.

Analyzing the alligator

The alligator shares many of the characteristics of the crocodile however they are distinct in some key ways. The alligator like the crocodile in is in Crocodilia Order as it is also a prehistoric lizard of gargantuan size (Schechter and Street). The Alligator is a member of the Alligatoridae Family and the Genus/species Alligator Mississippiensis. Alligators are not quite as long as crocodiles and come in two sizes. The American alligator is at max size 11 feet, weighing half a ton, while Chinese alligators are much smaller at 4. 9 feet long with a weight of just 50 lbs. (Bradford).

As the name implies, the American alligator is from the American continent and is specifically found in slow-moving rivers, ponds, swamps, and lakes from North Carolina to Texas (Bradford). The Chinese alligator is native to the China’s Yangtze River basin not far from the Pacific Ocean. Once they were located in many of the same places that their American cousins were found, like lakes, rivers, and swamps, however with humanity’s urban sprawl they are now mostly found in ditches and ponds near agricultural lands as so many of their lands have been made in to rice paddies (Bradford).

Did you know? There's an urban legend about alligators living in urban sewers?

The alligator also has an osteoplate skeletal frame with scutes (Schecter and Street) These help to not only soak up sun but act as armor as well, something the alligator is likely to need more of now that human influence and interference have disrupted their habitats. The alligator is different in that they will have coloring stripes of black or yellow along their tail. The adults usually have the dark stripes whereas the juveniles have the paler striation (Schecter and Street).

There are easier ways to distinguish a crocodile from an alligator. An alligator typically has a fourth tooth in their lower jaw that fits securely into a socket in the upper jaw as they close their mouths thus hiding their largest and sharpest teeth. Crocodiles on the other side have teeth that remain visible when the mouth is open (Schecter and Street). The alligator does nonetheless have an impressive number of teeth; between 74 and 80 which will be regularly replace throughout the course of the alligator’s lifetime. On average, an alligator will go through two to three thousand teeth which are created regularly (Schecter and Street).

Their diet is mostly meat and they will eat most anything they come across made from flesh. Fish, birds, mollusks, and even other reptiles are fair game for the alligator (Bradford). They do also eat fruit from time to time as well (Switek).

Mating for alligators typically begins in June, the time when a male may fertilize many females within a single sea of mating (Bradford). The female on the other hand will usually take a single male mate. Once July rolls around, the females will make a nest in the mud of plants and sticks which will carry the laid eggs. These eggs can range in numbers as high as 50 to as low as 10 (Bradford). These eggs are relatively hard-shelled for their protection however the female will go even further to cover them with mud, sticks, and more plants to insure their survival against predators and waves. Nonetheless, the female will still stay around for weeks to months until the eggs are ready to hatch, usually in September.

At this period, the female will remove debris from the nest or even break open the hard shells with their mouths, a remarkable task given the size of the alligator’s mouth and the delicacy of the egg (Bradford). Sometimes the young alligator will sound high-pitched cries inside the egg which can let the mother know it’s time to come out (Schechter and Street).

Once born, the hatchlings will stay within the protection of their mother as each weigh just 1.05 ounces, or 30 grams, and is 8.3 inches long (Bradford). They live close to their mother in ‘pods.’ Pods are small groups that help to prevent mortality from the numerous river predators like bobcats, otters, snakes, large bass, and even other alligators (Schechter and Street).

The fact that the mother aggressively defends her kin makes the alligator unique among reptiles which usually leave their young behind once they hatch (Schechter and Street). After two years of nurturance and steady growth, a pace of about a foot a year, they will head out on their own to start families on their own. At year six they are considered fully mature (Schechter and Street).

When the colder months roll through, the alligator actually has a hibernation period. As weather becomes frigid, the gator will build a hole in the ground through steady digging. This is called a “gator hole” and is used for their rest. The tunnel may be as long as 65 feet and made mostly of mud. Occasionally, gator holes fill with water. They still are able to provide protection from cold and/or hot weather when the climate gets extreme. Once, utilized and abandoned, the gator hole may be used by other creatures (Schechter and Street).

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History and cultural impact

Alligators and crocodiles are the biggest reptiles on the planet. They typically do not compete however it is possible to compare them to gain insight into the unique behavior and situations of each. An alligator is a long-lived animal. The alligator can live to be 50 years in the wild. Researchers indicate that when they are about 4 feet long, they will be safe from predators.

There is nonetheless considerable damage and threat to alligator habitats which have troubled the species coming from human activities and the endangerment it creates. The American alligator is at the present time listed as one of the U.S.’s endangered species (Schecther and Street). The crocodile is similarly protected from most natural predators, yet they are specifically hunted by humans in great numbers.

Although its hunting status is mostly controlled by state authorities in the U.S., the crocodile is still also on the endangered species list (Schechter and Street). The greatest threats to these species are however in the realm of environmental and marine pollution . Mercury and dioxins in the water is lethal to alligators and crocodiles and can hamper their survival.

From a cultural perspective, both the alligator and crocodile have much to contribute. The Egyptians worshiped a crocodile god called Sobek. Sobek is a crocodile headed man who was a primal creator god whose spirit is linked to the sun god Ra. Sobek’s worship was inspired in part by the association had between Crocodiles and the Nile, a principle source of wealth, health, and transportation for Egypt (Sobek). In his temples, live crocodiles were kept and pampered with regular offerings. In general, Sobek was seen as a god of protection and good who helped to fight evil, cure ills, and tame crocodiles (Sobek).

Alligators have had their own cultural following in Florida where they have become the state’s official reptile since 1987. The ‘Gators’, are also a Florida football team which further reinforces the cultural relevancy of the alligator (Schechter and Street). Despite their popularity, alligators and crocodiles are incredibly dangerous. An alligator is known to have a bite force of 2960 pounds, something that makes them quite lethal (Switek).

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Alligators and Crocodiles are fierce predators and have bite capacities that are profoundly dangerous, incredible dive times, and armor that keeps them safe from most any predator. They are still however in danger from the activities of humans, something that should be addressed in the twenty-first century so that the world can continue to enjoy alligators and crocodiles, some of the oldest reptiles on Earth who have been around since the times of the dinosaurs.

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Works Cited

Bradford, Alina. Facts about Alligators. Livescience.com, 2014. http://www.livescience.com/27306-alligator-facts.html.

How long can a crocodile stay underwater? Crocodillian.org, 2012. Web, 2016. http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/cbd-faq-q5.htm.

Schechter, Benjamin & Street, Robin. American Alligator, n.d. Web. July 15, 2016. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Americanalligator.cfm.

Sobek, Crystal Links, n.d. Web. July 15, 2016. http://www.crystalinks.com/sobek.html.

Switek, Brian. 11 Terrifying and Amazing Facts about Alligators. Mental Floss. http://mentalfloss.com/article/56093/11-terrifying-and-amazing-facts-about-alligators.

Welsbacher, Anne. Crocodiles. High-Interest Books, 2003. Print.

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Animals — The Estuarine Crocodile

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The Crocodile - Delightful Short Poem by Lewis Carroll

Introduction to ‘the crocodile’ by lewis carroll.

'The Crocodile' is a delightful and brief poem. It was first published in Lewis Carroll's work Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, and is also known as 'How Doth the Little Crocodile.' In chapter two, Alice reads a poem. This poem came to her thoughts as she was trying to remember another, Isaac Watts' 'Against Idleness and Mischief.'

Carroll allowed the crocodile's virtues to shine through in his storey "The Crocodile." These characteristics, as well as cunning, deception, and predation, are central to the poem and the novel in which it was written.

Let us hum every line of the poem and understand the meaning of ‘The Crocodile’ in this article.

Poem: The Crocodile by Lewis Caroll

Let us look at the poem here.

How doth the little crocodile

Improve his shining tail,

And pour the waters of the Nile

On every golden scale!

How cheerfully he seems to grin!

How neatly spread his claws,

And welcomes little fishes in

With gently smiling jaws!

– Lewis Carroll

The Crocodile

Structure of the Poem: The Crocodile

'The Crocodile,' by Lewis Carroll, is a two-stanza poem divided into quatrains (groups of four lines). The rhyming structure for these quatrains is ABAB CDCD. The lines are also around the same length, with alternating margins that correspond to the rhyming system.

Starting with line one of the first stanza, odd-numbered lines feature four groups of two beats each line. The first is unaffected by stress, while the second is affected by it. Starting with line two of the first stanza, the same may be said for the even-numbered lines. There are three sets of two beats in each line, for a total of six syllables.

Since this work was written for a younger audience, the lines' sing-song rhythm is perfect. Carroll uses this pattern to make the words more enjoyable to read and listen to. It also aids to hold a child's attention for a longer period of time. Carroll uses the comical aspect of the poem to make it more appealing to children. The poem's events should be relatable to the child who hears or reads it. It is most known for its inclusion in Lewis Carroll's beloved work Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Analysis of the Poem: The Crocodile

The speaker of 'The Crocodile,' in the first verse, draws the reader's attention to "the little crocodile." As the second stanza will reveal, this description does not do the appropriate justice for the creature. It portrays him as little, unthreatening, and inoffensive, but this is not the reality.

The crocodile has taken on a life of its own. He makes the decision to "improve his shining tail" by waving it through the Nile River's waters. This enhances its shine and highlights the "gold" on each scale.

The speaker discloses in the second verse of 'The Crocodile' that the beast is not only enjoying the water but is also hunting. As he "spreads his claws," he looks to "smile" cheerfully. He captures the fish in his "gently smiling jaws," as though bringing them in for a hug. It's amazing how adjectives like "gently" and "smiling" are combined with "jaws" and "claws." It gives the impression that the crocodile is cunning and clever.

Summary of ‘The Crocodile’

Lewis Carroll's poem 'The Crocodile' speaks about a crocodile who draws fish invisibly and then takes them with a huge smile on his face.

This poem walks the reader through some of the characteristics that one specific crocodile exhibits. Among them are deception and cunning. He smiles, relaxes in the sun, washes his scales, and expands his claws as though welcoming fish into his arms.

FAQs on The Crocodile - Delightful Short Poem by Lewis Carroll

1. What is the poem ‘The Crocodile’ all about?

A little crocodile is described by the poet. He wonders how the crocodile improves the appearance of its tail by pouring water from the Nile River on its scales, which makes it shine like gold.

2. Why does he welcome little fishes?

The fishes are hungry and the crocodile wants to feed them. That’s why he welcomes them.

Hungry crocodiles!

Common Core Standards: Grade 1 Number & Operations in Base Ten

CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.3

This worksheet originally published in Math Made Easy for 1st Grade by © Dorling Kindersley Limited .

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The Enormous Crocodile Essay Questions

By roald dahl, essay questions.

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How does Trunky stop the Enormous crocodile from eating children? Trunky, the elephant, is also an advocate for the crocodile to stop eating children. He exposes the crocodile when he preys on children at a picnic. But Trunky puts an end to the crocodile one and for all by slinging him to outer space, until he burns in the sun.

How does Humpy Rumpy stop the Enormous crocodile from eating children?

Humpy Rumpy, the hippopotamus, lectures the Enormous Crocodile for trying to eat children, although this does not stop him. As such, Humpy Rumpy stops him from eating two young children in the forest by revealing to them that the crocodile is disguised as a coconut tree.

What message does the story relay? The overarching message is one of doing the right thing. Humans have often preyed on animals for their meals, and now Dahl is showing the reversal of this. He is showing the reader that it is wrong to prey on anyone regardless of what they are.

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The Enormous Crocodile Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Enormous Crocodile is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The Enormous Crocodile

Trunky's voice is big and deep.

Trunky's voice is described as big and deep.

What is clever about the Notsobig One's name?

Not-so-big-one is an apt name because he is a smaller crocodile.

Study Guide for The Enormous Crocodile

The Enormous Crocodile study guide contains a biography of Roald Dahl, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Enormous Crocodile
• The Enormous Crocodile Summary
• Character List