Infamous "death list" almost universal among crocodile species

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According to a new study published in the newspaper, the "Death Chart" of alligators and crocodiles could be more common among species than previously thought Ethology, ecology and evolution and co-authored by a researcher from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Contrary to popular belief, crocodiles can not chew. So they use a powerful bite associated with a full-bodied twist – a deadly roll – to disable, kill and dismember prey into smaller pieces. This murderous movement is characteristic of alligators and crocodiles and has been featured in numerous nature films and documentaries.

Until now, the role of death has only been documented in some of the 25 species of crocodilians still alive, but how many are actually doing it?

"We performed tests on the 25 species, and 24 of them demonstrated this behavior," said Stephanie Drumheller-Horton, Lead Author, Paleontologist and Assistant Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences from the University of Texas.

For research, Drumheller-Horton has partnered with Kent Vliet of the University of Florida and Jim Darlington, curator of reptiles at St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

It was previously believed that slender-snouted species, such as the Indian Gharial, did not roll because their diet consisted of a small prey like a fish, eaten whole.

But it turns out that food is not the only time animals can roll.

"The aggression between individual crocodylians can become quite intense, often involving bites and death strikes in the establishment of domination or competition for women," Vliet said.

Paleosuchus palpebrosus, commonly known as the Cuvier Dwarf Caiman, is the only species that has not performed a dead role under experimental conditions. "Although it is also possible that they are not cooperative," Darlington said.

And the fossil ancestors of modern crocodiles? If they share the same body plan and lifestyle as their modern counterparts, it is also likely that they risk losing their lives.

"Crocodile parents play the role of semi-aquatic ambush predators since the age of the dinosaurs," said Drumheller-Horton.

Whether in the Northern Territories of Australia, in a Serengeti lake or in a late Cretaceous watering point, it is likely that a predatory patient waits in the water to surprise his next meal with a boost speed, a rotating finish.