Adaptations of Crocodylus Porosus and Crocodylus Johnstoni

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Introduction
The Saltwater Crocodile and the Fresh Water crocodile are highly recognised species in Australia. The Saltwater Crocodile is scientifically known as the Crocodylus Porosus (C.porosus) and the Fresh water crocodile is scientifically known as the Crocodylus Johnstoni (C.johnstoni). Both of these creatures have had to adapt to the variety and change of climates that Australia has. The similarities and differences of these adaptations will be discussed, along with a prediction of which species is more likely to survive within Australia.
Summary of Adaptations
The following is a summary of adaptations of the C.porosus and the C.johnstoni. Each adaptation has been classified as structural, behavioural or functional. Each of these adaptations will be discussed further in depth as a similarity or difference between the two animals.

Similarities
The C.porosus and C.johnstoni have various similarities within their structural, functional and behavioural adaptations. One of these similarities is their dietary needs. Both types of crocodiles are carnivorous and feed on a wide range of food including; insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Although, the size of the prey the crocodiles are eating differs. C.porosus, being the larger crocodile generally eats larger animals such as wallabies and wild bores. C.johnstoni eats smaller animals. This leads to the structural adaptation of how they eat their food. The C.porosus has blunt teeth but an extremely powerful jaw to bite down on its prey with ease. The C.johnstoni has many sharp teeth to aid in catching and eating its prey.
Another similar adaptation the C.porosus and C.johnstoni share is their habitat. Both of these crocodiles are found throughout northern Australi...

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...verall, the C.porosus comes out on top of the C.johnstoni. The structural, functional and behavioural adaptations the C.porosus has proved that it has a higher chance at surviving.

Works Cited

http://www.learningspark.com.au/shop/nt/fwcroc/ http://www.proserpineecotours.com.au/crocs.htm http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/feed-feral-camels-to-crocs-to-wipe-plague/story-e6frg6po-1225828987207 http://www.proserpineecotours.com.au/crocs.htm http://members.optusnet.com.au/~alreadman/croc.htm https://designeranimals.wikispaces.com/Saltwater+Crocodile http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=WR9790347 http://blog.cairnswildlife.com.au/australia%E2%80%99s-wildlife-habitat-home-to-armoured-predators/ http://australianmuseum.net.au/Freshwater-Crocodile
http://www.australiazoo.com.au/our-animals/amazing-animals/reptiles/?animal=saltwater_crocodile&reptile=crocodilians

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