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Crocodylidae

Crocodylidae

9.9
A group of large meat-eating reptiles that live in warm places, for example the Nile crocodile and the saltwater crocodile
  • noun
  • /ˌkrɒkəˈdaɪliːdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Crocodylidae
  • The Crocodylidae family includes several species of true crocodiles.

Examples

  • The family Crocodylidae includes several species of true crocodiles, such as the Nile crocodile and the saltwater crocodile.

  • Unlike alligators, members of Crocodylidae generally have narrower, V-shaped snouts.

  • Paleontologists study fossil remains of Crocodylidae to learn about their evolution and adaptation.

  • Many species in the Crocodylidae family are found in Africa.

  • The family Crocodylidae contains various species that can grow to be over 20 feet long.

  • In tropical wetlands, Crocodylidae are often seen basking in the sun on riverbanks.

  • Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting the natural habitats of Crocodylidae worldwide.

Synonyms

family Crocodylidae
vsCrocodylidae
  • Specialized
8.7

A group of large reptiles that eat meat and live in rivers and swamps in warm countries

does not stress living partly in water but highlights scientific family

Compounds

family Crocodylidae
  • Specialized
8.7

A group of large reptiles that eat meat and live in rivers and swamps in warm countries

Surface Forms

Crocodylidae singular
Crocodylidaes plural

Morphology

Crocodylidae = crocodile (semi-transparent) = crocodyl + idae

The relation to 'crocodile' is clear, but the suffix '-idae' is a technical taxonomic ending that is not familiar to general learners.

Etymology

Crocodylidae comes from crocodyl-, the same root as crocodile, from Greek krokodilos which people often explain as 'pebble' plus 'worm', together with the ending -idae, a common part meaning 'family of'. So Crocodylidae literally means the 'family of crocodiles', which helps you remember it refers to the true crocodile group.