Crocodile Respiratory System

KOMPAS.com – Like all reptiles, crocodile breathe with lungs not with gills.

The lungs are the result of evolution for the respiratory problems faced by the lower first life forms, which tentatively creep out of the water, to eventually live on land.

Reported from Animals Mom, a crocodile can dive under the surface of the water and hold its breath for a long time.

The smaller the crocodile is, the less time it can spend underwater.

During voluntary dives, such as when hunting underwater, crocodiles may remain submerged for 10 to 15 minutes.

Read also: Reptiles in the World are Endangered, Crocodiles and Tortoises Most Vulnerable to Extinction

If a perceived threat prompts it to hide, the crocodile can stay underwater for perhaps 30 minutes or longer.

In an emergency situation, most crocodiles can stay underwater for up to two hours.

During such extreme dives, the heart rate can drop drastically to just two or three beats every minute in an effort to conserve oxygen.

Reported from National Geographic, the same muscles, which help the crocodile swim, also allow it to breathe.

When a crocodile inhales, the external intercostal muscles, which connect its ribs, swing it outward and forward to collect the extra air.

Read also: Encountering a Crocodile, What to Do to Save Yourself?

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