Crocodile tears: why a crocodile cries and what it means. Why do crocodiles cry when they eat?
Modern scientists have long wondered whether this is really so, and, after observing these reptiles for some time, they came to the conclusion that they really cry. The only reason for such non-trivial behavior was for a long time is completely incomprehensible, because it is unlikely that crocodiles have such a human character trait as pity.
Crocodiles are predators who do not know pity, since eating other species is their way of life.
Ancient theories
Since ancient times, crocodiles have inspired people with a reverent fear of them, as well as a desire to hide from danger. The inhabitants of Egypt, who were familiar firsthand with the indigenous inhabitants of the Nile waters, called them “divine evil.” In order not to in any way anger the sacred animal, they brought offerings, performed rituals, and also tried in every possible way to please the resourceful reptiles.
Seeing the crocodile's tears during a meal, no one could answer the question: why are they crying? Did you somehow anger the gods? I didn’t want to believe that the crocodiles didn’t like the gifts and honors. There were no limits to the fantasies of our predecessors. For example, one of the Greek researchers put forward a theory that the salty liquid observed in the crocodile's head area is not tears, but water, which he specially took into his mouth to water the path of the victim, and that, in turn, should have slipped and make it easier for reptiles to hunt.
Another interesting assumption was put forward in the 17th century in the reference book "Azbukovnik", which stated that main problem The crocodile, over which he constantly sheds tears, is the question of where to put the victim’s head.
Erasmus of Rotterdam also expressed his opinion on this issue. He claimed that the crocodile emanates drool, not tears.
Modern explanation of the phenomenon
The most successful attempt to understand this interesting phenomenon was made by Swedish scientists Schmidt-Nilsson and Fange. Having studied the problem, they made the assumption that crocodiles have extremely poor kidney function, one of the main tasks of which is to remove excess salt from the body.
This assumption was in more detail studied by US zoologists from the state of Florida, and subsequently confirmed by experimental studies. It was found that nature provides a special salt gland right next to the reptile’s eyes, which, as needed, comes into play, helping salt deposits leave the body.
What is noteworthy is that other reptiles have similar abilities: iguanas, turtles, sea snakes.
Why are pseudotears secreted during meals? It's very simple: when chewing, additional irritation of the lingual glands occurs, which causes tearing. The problem with this phenomenon is that crocodiles, due to special structure jaws cannot chew in the usual sense of the word, but capture and flatten their food, swallowing large pieces. Even a person coughs when eating this type of food, and there is also tearing.
- This large reptiles, the closest relatives of those extinct in ancient times dinosaurs. These terrible predators inspired sacred horror in the ancient Egyptians, monsters from the fairy tales of many peoples are similar to a crocodile. The legendary demonic creature - Leviathan - is a huge crocodile. These predators always “smile” - their teeth are visible even when their mouths are closed.
Despite the fact that both crocodiles and alligators are close relatives (they belong to the same order), there is a difference between them, which is expressed in their appearance. To easily distinguish these reptiles, you need, first of all, to look at their muzzle: a narrow and slightly elongated one indicates that this is a crocodile, while a flatter and wider one proves the opposite. Then you can, if it’s not scary, look into the reptile’s mouth: in crocodiles, when the mouth is closed, the upper and lower teeth close together, but in alligators they do not. In addition, the skin of crocodiles is literally dotted with small dark spots, which are very important role- help him determine the position of future prey in the water. The alligator is not so sensitive: it has much fewer dark spots, and they are located only around the jaws.
On the left in the photo is an alligator, on the right is a crocodile
Dangerous predators
Crocodiles are known to be one of the most... dangerous predators of our planet. evoke chilling horror at everything live crocodile capable of using very sharp and dangerous teeth, the main difference of which is the tight closure of the upper row with the lower one. As a result of this, almost no one who, by the will of fate, ends up in the teeth of a crocodile, is given virtually no one chance for salvation. In addition, a crocodile, like a shark, easily changes teeth throughout its life: inside each tooth there is a void in which a new tooth develops.
They feed exclusively on fish, water birds, various and even “relatives” of reptiles, and also, if they can cope with them, very large mammals: buffalos, giraffes, etc. Besides, large crocodiles they feed on small ones, that is, cannibalism is common among these reptiles. Crocodiles often attack people. The stomach of a crocodile is extremely strong, and gastric juice allows you to digest not only meat, but also horns, hooves, bones and fur!
Crocodile leads night look life. He also hunts at night. A crocodile waits in ambush for its prey. The crocodile stuns the fish with a powerful blow of its tail or throws it ashore. He also knocks down animals with his tail and drags them into the water. In an alien environment, it is difficult for the victim to resist, and the monster easily wins.
Why do crocodiles swallow stones?
Those who think that crocodiles swallow stones because they are simply indiscriminate in their food and like to feast on cobblestones from time to time are absolutely mistaken: the crocodile needs stones in order to feel good and move normally.
![](https://i0.wp.com/web-zoopark.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/11-47-768x463-32-735x551-12.jpg)
According to experts, swallowed stones allow the reptile to better and more confidently stay on the water and under water: it is believed that the stones, by shifting the crocodile’s center of gravity, allow it to easily swim and dive greater depth. However this is not the only reason, forcing crocodiles to treat themselves to cobblestones: the main thing is that these stones (they are called gastroliths) help the animal digest food.
Since, despite the abundance of sharp teeth, crocodiles do not know how to chew, stones that crocodiles swallow and “hide” in the stomach help these reptiles grind food. When food gets into the thick stomach of a crocodile, it is well ground with stones, like millstones, so that the further digestion process takes place without problems.
Third eyelid
The crocodile spends almost all of its time in the river - it comes to land extremely rarely, only at dusk - so nature made sure that the eyes of this reptile do not suffer from constant exposure to water. The crocodile's eyes are equipped with a special semilunar fold, which is also called the “third eyelid,” a membrane that protects the crocodile’s eyes from water, but at the same time allows it to see and navigate perfectly. underwater world. By the way, not only crocodiles have a “third eyelid,” but also birds, which it protects from dust, as well as cats, dogs, etc.
Crocodile tears
The famous catchphrase is “to pour crocodile tears“means that the experiences that a person experiences are not real: he simply pretends to be sympathetic, and, in the meantime, he does his “dirty” deed. It is believed that this turnover appeared after watching a crocodile eat its prey.
It turns out that the crocodile really cries at dinner, but he cries not out of pity and compassion for the one who ended up in his mouth, but simply because he is so amazingly the structure of the body of this reptile. In order to remove excess salt from the body, a crocodile’s kidneys are not enough, and nature has provided special tubules near its eyes: it is through them that tears flow out, and along with the tears, excess salt.
What bird are crocodiles friends with?
Despite the fact that crocodiles, among other living creatures - antelopes, fish, etc. — they also enjoy feasting on various, mainly aquatic birds; they prefer to maintain friendly relations with one of them, the spur lapwing. This is explained by the fact that crocodiles, even despite the fact that their teeth change throughout their lives, take great care of them and try to maintain them. good condition. It is precisely with the care of teeth that the tender friendship of crocodiles with lapwings is connected, which literally words clean reptiles' teeth. They free the crocodile’s mouth from leeches attached to it, pieces of meat stuck between the teeth, etc. It is interesting that, when about to close its mouth, the crocodile waves its head so that the caring birds have time to fly away, and the lapwings, in turn, warn the crocodiles about the impending danger.
Crocodiles do cry, but these are not tears in the usual sense, because lacrimal glands do not have them. But, like some other reptiles, they have salt glands (also known as nasal glands), which are absent in most living creatures, which serve to remove excess salt accumulated in the body.
We can say that the salt glands play a role extra kidneys in animals associated with salt (sea) water. Freshwater alligators do not have them.
The nasal ducts of crocodiles are located in the corners of the eyes. During a meal, excess salt is formed, the gland begins to work, the ducts open - water flows from the eyes. And those around him get the impression that the reptile is crying inconsolably over its next victim.
This was noticed thousands of years ago. Distant ancestors believed that the predator was crying because it regretted not being able to swallow the head of its prey. Everyone knows another version, that the crocodile is grieving over an innocent lost life.
Birds and lizards with runny nose
By the way, the presence salt gland can boast not only marine reptiles: crocodiles, gharials, snakes and turtles. But also some seabirds: pelicans, cormorants, albatrosses, gulls and many others.
Moreover, even desert birds have additional kidneys - after all, they lack sweat glands, and in hot conditions this is fatal. True, in different animals the salt ducts are excreted into different places. For example, in birds - in the nose, which gives the impression that the birds are constantly catching a cold.
The gland is located in the nose and marine iguana living only on Galapagos Islands. The lizard spends a long time in the sea, feeding on aquatic plants, which is why its body is literally stuffed with salt. Therefore, it simply cannot do without additional removal of sodium chloride. The iguana often sneezes, the saline solution flies out, settling on its head, thanks to which the reptile boasts an unusual white cap.
Stomach stones
The crocodile has another one interesting feature – he swallows stones. Sometimes his stomach accumulates up to five kilograms of stones - gastroliths. Oddly enough, he swallows them for the same reason as the familiar chickens: to grind food.
Despite its terrifying teeth, the crocodile does not know how to chew meat, devouring it in large pieces. If it were not for the stones, then all the food entering the stomach would simply decompose there, which would lead the animal to death.
But gastroliths are needed not only by the digestive organs. They also act as a center of gravity when swimming, giving the predator additional stability in the water.
And you know, it’s not fat, it’s water, huh? Read and expand your horizons!
In the Russian language there is such a phrase as “crocodile tears”, which each of us has probably heard at least once. This phrase paints before us the image of a crocodile shedding tears and wiping them with a handkerchief. What does the expression “crocodile tears” mean? Do crocodiles really cry? Below you will find answers to all these questions.
Crocodile tears - the meaning of phraseology
The Russian language is rich in different expressions who have figurative sense and are often understandable only to Russian people. One of these is the phraseological unit “crocodile tears”. What is the meaning of the phrase “crocodile tears”?
“Crocodile tears” means insincere tears, hypocritical and feigned regret, false compassion. It is noteworthy that the phraseological unit “crocodile tears” is one of the few that is used not only in the Russian language. It is also found in many other languages.
![](https://i1.wp.com/animaljournal.ru/articles/top/interesnoe/krokodilovi_slezi/krokodilovi_slezi.jpg)
The expression “crocodile tears” is used in relation to those people who pretend to be overly upset by the trouble or misfortune of someone to whom they themselves caused it.
But in fact, these people do not experience negative emotions, but only pretend and even rejoice at the troubles of those people for whom they prepared them. They say about such a person that he “sheds crocodile tears.”
Why do crocodiles cry?
Since ancient times, there has been a legend that a crocodile cries over its prey during a meal. But a crocodile is bloodthirsty and scary predator. The crocodile's tears are unlikely to be a manifestation of anxiety or remorse for the murdered victim. Indeed, crocodile tears have nothing to do with compassion or regret. This is how the international phraseology “crocodile tears” arose.
![](https://i0.wp.com/animaljournal.ru/articles/top/interesnoe/krokodilovi_slezi/krokodili_plachut.jpg)
So why do crocodiles cry? All these beliefs from ancient times about the tears of a crocodile prompted scientists to find out this controversial issue. Researchers have made many observations of these predators. And it turns out that crocodiles really cry, but not out of pity.
In fact, everything is very simple, and crocodile tears are just a way to remove salts from the body. The thing is that crocodiles suffer from excess salts in the body. And in order to reduce their level, crocodiles have special glands that are located in the eye area.
![](https://i0.wp.com/animaljournal.ru/articles/top/interesnoe/krokodilovi_slezi/slezi_krokodila.jpg)
All reptiles of the genus true crocodiles have such special glands. For example, in the Nile crocodile. When a crocodile accumulates too many salts, the glands begin to actively work and cause tears.
Thus, the crocodile cries only when it needs to remove salts from the body. Along with the crocodile's tears, unnecessary harmful substances also come out. Like this unusual feature of these predators, which has nothing to do with the feeling of compassion of crocodiles for their victims.
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A zoologist made an interesting discovery when he accidentally saw a butterfly fluttering around a crocodile’s head. It turns out that insects benefit from crocodile tears.
People have long noticed that crocodiles, known for their bloodthirstiness, often “cry.” The expression "crocodile tears" is used to describe behavior hypocritical person, who pretends to worry about a situation that may be his fault. But, as it turned out, crocodile tears are just features excretory system, which can also benefit other animals.
Director of the biological station La Selva“In Costa Rica, ecologist Carlos de la Rosa accompanied students on a tour of the Puerto Viejo River and accidentally noticed a bright dryad butterfly and a bee fluttering around a spectacled caiman. The insects did not leave the caiman for a quarter of an hour, and they preferred the eyes to all other parts of the reptile’s head. The scientist thought about the reasons for this strange behavior. When he returned, he began to look for descriptions of similar cases. There were a lot of photos and videos on the Internet where bees and butterflies hovered around crocodiles and turtles. A case was described in which a bee drank “turtle tears” on the banks of the Yasuni River in Ecuador, and in "Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society" a case of lacrophagia (the so-called drinking of tear fluid) was even described in Thailand, when a bee drank a human tear.
According to Carlos de la Rosa, crocodile tears serve as a valuable source of mineral salts for insects, a kind of “energy drink.” The fact is that the excretory system of crocodiles and turtles is designed in such a way that the lacrimal glands ensure the removal of excess salts from the body. Mineral salts dissolved in water are present in excess in sea water, but far from the ocean animals may experience a lack of them and therefore look for such non-standard ways to replenish the missing microelements. Carlos de la Rosa outlined his theory on the pages of the magazine "Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment". It is unknown how insects learned about the peculiarities of the excretory system of reptiles, but, one way or another, a new round has appeared in the cycle of mineral salts in nature.
This is not the first “accidental” discovery in the practice of Carlos de la Rosa. So, one day he discovered the new kind dragonflies, noticing that the insect is on an uncharacteristic plant from the bromeliad family. Before this, only one species of dragonfly living on bromeliads was known, but thanks to the scientist’s observation, there were two. You just have to keep your eyes open and be curious enough to look for and find the reason for the strange things that come your way, de la Rosa said.
It remains to be seen why crocodiles do not object to this consumer attitude from insects, and install chemical composition crocodile tears to understand why reptiles attract insects.
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