Adaptations
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT | Adaptations | A comparison of the salt water crocodile and fresh water crocodile | | | 2/27/2012 |
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Figure 1 – Saltwater Crocodile Figure 2 – Freshwater Crocodile
Subject: SCX101B
School:
Name:
Completed: 12/03/12
I declare that the work submitted is my own with no part written/produced for me by any other person. I have acknowledged the people who have provided assistance and the materials referred to in developing my ideas have been acknowledged according to the school referencing system.
___________________ 12/03/12
Signature Date
Table of contents
| Page | Introduction | 3 | Summary of adaptations | 3 | Similarities | 4 | Differences | 5 | Prediction | 6 | Conclusion | 7 | References | 8 | Annotated Bibliography | 9 |
Introduction
The fresh water crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) and the salt water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) are two Australian species that have evolved from their ancient ancestors 80 million years ago. These prehistoric reptiles come from the Crocodylidae family and are one of the most intelligent reptiles. From 1940 – 1970, salt water crocodiles were hunted for their hides which resulted in reduced numbers in the population. In the 1950’s, the hunting of fresh water crocodiles increased due to advances made in tanning processes. This meant they could use the skin of the fresh water crocodile instead of salt water crocodiles for leather, which caused a decrease in their population. In 1962, crocodiles were protected by law in Western Australia and then in the Northern Territory in 1964. They weren’t protected in Queensland until 1974. Illegal hunting of crocodile skins still continues but their main threat is destruction of habitat. Both of these species have had to adapt to Australia’s changing climate to survive. The adaptations of these species including their similarities and differences will be discussed and compared, along with a
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Figure 1 – Saltwater Crocodile Figure 2 – Freshwater Crocodile
Subject: SCX101B
School:
Name:
Completed: 12/03/12
I declare that the work submitted is my own with no part written/produced for me by any other person. I have acknowledged the people who have provided assistance and the materials referred to in developing my ideas have been acknowledged according to the school referencing system.
___________________ 12/03/12
Signature Date
Table of contents
| Page | Introduction | 3 | Summary of adaptations | 3 | Similarities | 4 | Differences | 5 | Prediction | 6 | Conclusion | 7 | References | 8 | Annotated Bibliography | 9 |
Introduction
The fresh water crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) and the salt water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) are two Australian species that have evolved from their ancient ancestors 80 million years ago. These prehistoric reptiles come from the Crocodylidae family and are one of the most intelligent reptiles. From 1940 – 1970, salt water crocodiles were hunted for their hides which resulted in reduced numbers in the population. In the 1950’s, the hunting of fresh water crocodiles increased due to advances made in tanning processes. This meant they could use the skin of the fresh water crocodile instead of salt water crocodiles for leather, which caused a decrease in their population. In 1962, crocodiles were protected by law in Western Australia and then in the Northern Territory in 1964. They weren’t protected in Queensland until 1974. Illegal hunting of crocodile skins still continues but their main threat is destruction of habitat. Both of these species have had to adapt to Australia’s changing climate to survive. The adaptations of these species including their similarities and differences will be discussed and compared, along with a
References: "Australian Saltwater Crocodiles - Pictures And Facts About The Saltwater Crocodile." The Real Australian Outback - An Outback Australia Travel Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2012. "Australian Saltwater Crocodiles - Pictures And Facts About The Saltwater Crocodile." The Real Australian Outback - An Outback Australia Travel Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2012. "Saltwater Crocodiles, Crocodylus porosus at MarineBio.org." MarineBio.org - Marine Biology, Ocean Life Conservation, Sea creatures, Biodiversity, Oceans research.... N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2012. http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=187