As with many things in science, the case isn't closed. Crocodiles sometimes can be seen sunning with their mouths open. The study of fossils as well as work in embryology, biochemistry and comparative anatomy provides evidence for evolution. American crocodiles also can be found on the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola, as well as along both coasts of southern Mexico and Central America, south to Ecuador on the Pacific coast of South America, and Venezuela on the Atlantic coast. They also have a good blood supply, and are sites of heat exchange between the animal and its environment. ectotherms, reptiles must seek out warmth in order to maintain their body temperature, which is why they look for it. When in water, the mouth is usually closed and they breathe mostly through their nostrils. Peter L. Lutz and Ann Dunbar-Cooper, 1982 Crocodiles are fascinating not only because of their ancient history, but also because of their evolution today. A parietal eye, also known as a third eye or pineal eye, is a part of the epithalamus present in some vertebrates. Heat is radiating directly from the sun to the animals back. Explain how you might stay warm on a cold day. Crocodiles are good swimmers and can stay underwater for long periods of time. True Vestigial Structures in Whales and Dolphins A crocodiles attack zone is about two meters wide and two meters deep. Crocodiles, which are one of the oldest reptile groups, have been around for over 200 million years. When humans become cold, or sometimes scared, we get goosebumps, which are caused by the arrector pili muscle in the skin contracting and pulling the hair shaft upward. There is a strong resemblance between fossils and dinosaurs that evolved 80 million years later. Because of the location of the eyes, ears, and nostrils, a crocodile can be submerged with only the top of its head exposed and still be able to see, hear, and breathe. Crocodiles were the ancestors of the alligators and crocodiles that we now call crocodiles. Human beings, dogs, and cats all have similar pelvises, which are homologous structures to a vestigial pair of bones in snakes. Their narrow snout is triangular in shape, and the fourth tooth on both sides of the lower jaw is visible when the mouth is closed. Sex lasts about three minutes on average. Alligators and crocodiles are closely related to an ancient fossil dating back 210 million years. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/about-vestigial-structures-1224771.
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vestigial structures in crocodiles