Crocodilian: meaning, definitions and examples
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crocodilian
[ ˌkrɒkəˈdɪliən ]
animal type
Crocodilians are a group of large reptiles that include crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. They are known for their long snouts, powerful jaws, and armored bodies. As semi-aquatic animals, they are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Synonyms
alligator, crocodile, reptile.
Examples of usage
- The crocodilian family includes the American alligator.
- Scientists studied the behavior of various crocodilian species.
- Crocodilian habitats can be found in freshwater and saltwater environments.
Translations
Translations of the word "crocodilian" in other languages:
🇵🇹 crocodilianos
🇮🇳 मगरमच्छ
🇩🇪 Krokodile
🇮🇩 krokodil
🇺🇦 крокодилоподібний
🇵🇱 krokodyl
🇯🇵 ワニ類
🇫🇷 crocodiliens
🇪🇸 cocodrilos
🇹🇷 krokodil
🇰🇷 악어류
🇸🇦 تمساحيات
🇨🇿 krokodýli
🇸🇰 krokodíly
🇨🇳 鳄形目
🇸🇮 krokodili
🇮🇸 krokódílar
🇰🇿 крокодилдер
🇬🇪 კროკოდილის
🇦🇿 krokodillər
🇲🇽 cocodrilos
Etymology
The term 'crocodilian' originates from the Latin word 'Crocodilus', which itself derives from the ancient Greek 'krokódilos'. Over time, this classification has evolved to encompass a larger group of reptiles with shared characteristics. Fossils show that the ancestors of modern crocodilians date back over 200 million years, having adapted to both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Their evolutionary history illustrates a remarkable resilience and adaptability, allowing them to survive through various geological periods while remaining largely unchanged in form. The word 'crocodilian' was first used in the early 20th century as scientists sought to categorize these fascinating creatures based on their unique features and behaviors.