Jan 3, 2010

Crocodilian Contempt

I've long thought that if I died and came back as an animal, I'd want to be a crocodile. Not only have they survived several mass extinctions as a species, but they've also managed to survive humans, even becoming menaces and nuisances to them. And doing all that while spending most of your time floating or basking with no natural predators? That's a good life.

Photo source: Ramon

















A few factoids: the word crocodile comes from the Ancient Greek word: κροκόδιλος (crocodilos). Also, unlike other reptiles, they have a cerebral cortex and a four-chambered heart. Unfortunately, they are unable to stick out their tongues, since said tongue is kept in place by a thin membrane. They have to rely exclusively on their glare to convey the contempt they feel for you.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Crocodilos translates literally as "pebble worm" probably due to their appearance when they are submerged except for the bumpy strip of their backs.

Also, alligator comes from "al ligatur" which is Spanish slang for "the lizard".

Joe said...

It wouldn't always be such an easy life. You might have to deal with angry hippos:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6918747.ece

Anonymous said...

Is that moss growing all over this one's face?

Rasmus said...

"I'm covered in algae... and there's nothing you can do about it!"

Anonymous said...

haha! it looks so cute!

CaseyL said...

Aha; a photo of the extremely rare Vegan Crocodile. Her favorite pray is wheat grass and spirulina, but she strikes fear into the hearts of all chlorophyllia.

The Forest Minstrel said...

"....all the better to sneak up on you, my dear!"
Ugly Overload. Lives up to its name. And you can't help but keep coming back! ;^D

Eric Schaetzle said...

A good life... if you're one of the very lucky few who survive long enough to grow up. Only the adults get to enjoy relative peace of mind free from predators! The offspring are subject to high mortality.

Kristina said...

That's adorable, borderline cute overload if it weren't for the scales, lol

Anonymous said...

At my first quick glance, I thought it was a bright green lizard that was in the process of shedding its skin. XD

Anonymous said...

Oh! It looks so fat and cute!

The "Every" Man said...

How aggravating is having all of that algae on your face?

DVZ said...

A face only a mother could love!

Phim Nguoi Lon said...

haha, funny pics