Reptiles & Birds
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodylia
Family: Crocodylidae
Genus: Crocodylus
Species: Porosus
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodylia
Family: Crocodylidae
Genus: Crocodylus
Species: Porosus
Morphology
The Saltwater Crocodile is the largest of the Crocodiles. They have a relatively large head that includes a set of ridges that run beyond the eye along the center of the snout. This species is bilaterally symmetrical and ectothermic. Their scales are oval-like and the scutes are small compared to other species. The males are always larger than the females and the sex is determined by incubation temperature. The adult Saltwater Crocodiles are darker in color with a pale ventral side. Young Saltwater Crocs are lighter in color and as they age they continue to get darker. They have black stripes that run on the lower side of the body but are not present on the belly.
Biology
Saltwater Crocodiles have extraordinary adaptions for survival. They feed on a large variety of prey and have powerful jaws with approximately 68 teeth. Juvenile Crocodiles feed on insects, smaller amphibians, fish, and crustaceans. The larger ones take on mammals including wallabies and even humans!! They can also use their long tail for self defense.
Distribution map
Importance
Economically these Crocodiles are worth a lot! Saltwater Crocodiles are hunted for their meat, eggs, and skin. The hide of these crocodiles are very valuable and people will pay large amounts of money for their products. The Saltwater Crocodile leather is the most prized. There are farms for this particular purpose. At the farms the workers wait until the crocs are adult and completely grown before they kill and skin the animal. These animals are a territorial icon which means many people come from miles around to see them. Some people believe that the Saltwater Crocodiles have a spiritual significance.
Facts
1. This animal is the most likely to eat a human.
2.They are excellent swimmers and have often been spotted out at sea.
3. They'll feed on anything they can get their jaws on, including water buffalo, monkeys, wild boar, and even sharks.
4. Saltwater crocodiles hides are valued above all other crocodiles, and illegal hunting, habitat loss, and antipathy toward the species because of its reputation as a man-eater continue to put pressure on the population.
5. Size related: 6 foot man.
2.They are excellent swimmers and have often been spotted out at sea.
3. They'll feed on anything they can get their jaws on, including water buffalo, monkeys, wild boar, and even sharks.
4. Saltwater crocodiles hides are valued above all other crocodiles, and illegal hunting, habitat loss, and antipathy toward the species because of its reputation as a man-eater continue to put pressure on the population.
5. Size related: 6 foot man.
Vocabulary
1. Hide- the skin of domestic and wild animals, as well as fur seals, fish, and reptiles, that are used as the raw materials in making leather.
2. Reptile- a cold blooded vertebrae of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and turtles. They are distinguished by having a dry, scaly skin, and typically laying soft-shelled eggs on land.
3. Webbing- having the fingers or toes connected by a web or membrane.
4. Aggression- characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, or invasions.
5. Extinction- no longer in existence: that has ended or died out.
2. Reptile- a cold blooded vertebrae of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and turtles. They are distinguished by having a dry, scaly skin, and typically laying soft-shelled eggs on land.
3. Webbing- having the fingers or toes connected by a web or membrane.
4. Aggression- characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, or invasions.
5. Extinction- no longer in existence: that has ended or died out.
Sources
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Avez
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Ardea
Species: Herodias
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Avez
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Ardea
Species: Herodias
Morphology
The Great Blue Heron is the largest Heron in North America and has bilateral symmetry. It is also one of the most distinctive wading birds in the continent standing about a meter and a half in height. The Great Blue Heron has two main color schemes. It is mostly grey-blue with chestnut thighs, and a white cap over a black eye stripe. While in flight its tube neck coils back into an S-shape.
biology
This bird was blessed with several techniques that helped him adapt to the environment. The Great Blue Heron hunts by slowly wading or standing motionless in shallow water. As an alternate to walking or standing, it also exhibits a range of other foraging techniques that enables it to access deeper water where it can't wade. It can hover above the water, plunge beneath it, and swim on the surface. Usually the Heron nests in trees to keep from human disturbances. When there isn't any trees around it also can nest in mangroves, or nearby shrubs to protect themselves from predators.
Distribution map
Importance
The Great Blue Heron plays a major ecological role. They control the fish and insect populations in many different habitats. They also are an important food source for animals that prey on them. On the other hand, economically their importance is pretty negative. People who stock ponds oftentimes get frustrated at the Herons because they eat their fish. They can be stopped by installing bird netting or using decoy Herons.
Facts
1. Great Blue Herons can curl their necks into an S-shape for a more aerodynamic flight profile and to strike at prey in the distance.
2. They can hunt day and night thanks to a high-percentage of rod-type photoreceptors in their eyes that improve night vision.
3. Surprisingly, these birds weigh about five or six pounds because of their hollow bones. ( a feature all birds have)
4. The oldest Great Blue Heron in record was 24 years old according to the banding recovery.
5. Great Blue Herons live in saltwater and freshwater habitats.
2. They can hunt day and night thanks to a high-percentage of rod-type photoreceptors in their eyes that improve night vision.
3. Surprisingly, these birds weigh about five or six pounds because of their hollow bones. ( a feature all birds have)
4. The oldest Great Blue Heron in record was 24 years old according to the banding recovery.
5. Great Blue Herons live in saltwater and freshwater habitats.
Vocabulary
1. Photoreceptor- a photosensitive cell in the retina of vertebrates eyes.
2. Foraging- search widely for food or provisions.
3. Dependent - relies on another.
4. Statuesque- attractively tall and dignified.
5. Elongate- usually long in relation to the width.
2. Foraging- search widely for food or provisions.
3. Dependent - relies on another.
4. Statuesque- attractively tall and dignified.
5. Elongate- usually long in relation to the width.