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What is the slender-snouted crocodile’s diet?
Carnivorous
Slender-snouted crocodiles have a carnivorous, predatory diet.
Herbivorous
Omnivorous
Unknown
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Slender-snouted crocodiles can swim at birth.
True
Young slender-snouted crocodiles are fully capable of feeding and swimming from the moment that they hatch.
False
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What are the rocks held in the stomachs of slender-snouted crocodiles?
Gastroliths
The stomachs of slender-snouted crocodiles and other crocodilian species often contain gastroliths (rocks held in the digestive tract) of various sizes.
Ossicones
Plumicorns
Shalites
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Slender-snouted crocodiles are sexually dimorphic.
True, males are larger.
As in all crocodilian species, sexual dimorphism is present in slender-snouted crocodiles with males being larger than females of the same age class.
False
True, females are larger.
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What factor of the slender-snouted crocodile’s nest determines the sex of its hatchlings?
Temperature
All crocodilian species, including the slender-snouted crocodile, lay eggs, with the temperature of nesting conditions determining the sex of hatchlings.
Humidity
Hemisphere
Depth
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What is the slender-snouted crocodile’s parental investment?
Both, Maternal & Paternal
Newborn slender-snouted crocodiles are defended and cared for by both parents for some time after hatching.
Maternal
Paternal
None
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What body part is short relative to the size of the slender-snouted crocodile’s body?
Limbs
Due to their limbs being short relative to the size of the rest of their body, slender-snouted crocodiles move somewhat awkwardly outside of the water.
Snout
Tail
Teeth
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What habitats do slender-snouted crocodiles inhabit?
Forest
Slender-snouted crocodiles inhabit forest, savanna, inland wetlands, marine neritic, and marine coastal/supratidal habitats.
Savanna
Slender-snouted crocodiles inhabit forest, savanna, inland wetlands, marine neritic, and marine coastal/supratidal habitats.
Wetlands
Slender-snouted crocodiles inhabit forest, savanna, inland wetlands, marine neritic, and marine coastal/supratidal habitats.
Marine Neritic
Slender-snouted crocodiles inhabit forest, savanna, inland wetlands, marine neritic, and marine coastal/supratidal habitats.
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For what are slender-snouted crocodiles hunted?
Skin
Slender-snouted crocodiles provide two major economic benefits, skin and meat.
Meat
Slender-snouted crocodiles provide two major economic benefits, skin and meat.
Teeth
Claws
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What is the slender-snouted crocodile’s mating system?
Polygyny
Slender-snouted crocodiles are polygynous. Males will only live near females during mating seasons, passing from female to female within their territory. Dominant males will breed with all of the females within their territory.
Polygynandry
Monogamy
Polyandry
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To what continent are slender-snouted crocodiles endemic?
Africa
Slender-snouted crocodiles are native to central Africa, from as far west as Senegal, to Tanzania in the east, as far north as Chad, Mali, and Mauritania, and as far south as Zambia and Angola. The Saint Paul, Mafa, and Saint John Rivers are all Liberian rivers in which this species occurs. Slender-snouted crocodiles have also been reported in areas of Cameroon and Gabon.
Asia
South America
Australia
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What is a group of slender-snouted crocodiles called?
Bask
A group of slender-snouted crocodiles is called a bask or congregation.
Congregation
A group of slender-snouted crocodiles is called a bask or congregation.
Colony
Siege
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What are the slender-snouted crocodile’s primary senses when underwater?
Touch
Touch receptors and the ears are likely to be the primary sense organs used while crocodilians are underwater.
Hearing
Touch receptors and the ears are likely to be the primary sense organs used while crocodilians are underwater.
Vision
Smell
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Slender-snouted crocodiles produce the ___ average number of eggs per clutch among species in the genus.
Lowest
Among species in the genus Crocodylus, slender-snouted crocodiles produce the lowest average number of eggs per clutch.
Highest
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How do slender-snouted crocodiles show dominance?
Raising Body Out of Water
Vision plays an integral role in crocodilian communication, with males showing their dominance to intruders using different rituals, including raising their bodies out of the water to try to appear larger to intimidate their intruders.
Tail Whipping
Combat Dance
Gaping Mouth
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As with all crocodilian species, adult slender-snouted crocodiles are capable of severely injuring or killing humans.
True
As with all crocodilian species, adult slender-snouted crocodiles are capable of severely injuring or killing humans.
False
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What are young slender-snouted crocodiles called?
Crocklet
Young slender-snouted crocodiles are called crocklets.
Calf
Chick
Codling
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How does the slender-snouted crocodile differ from other crocodiles?
Slender Snout
As the common name suggests, the slender-snouted crocodile can be distinguished from other crocodile species by its extremely long, slender snout which lacks any bony ridges. It can also be distinguished by its dark, olive-colored back and bright yellow-colored ventral surface, which also shows several dark patches.
Darker Back
As the common name suggests, the slender-snouted crocodile can be distinguished from other crocodile species by its extremely long, slender snout which lacks any bony ridges. It can also be distinguished by its dark, olive-colored back and bright yellow-colored ventral surface, which also shows several dark patches.
Dark Patches
As the common name suggests, the slender-snouted crocodile can be distinguished from other crocodile species by its extremely long, slender snout which lacks any bony ridges. It can also be distinguished by its dark, olive-colored back and bright yellow-colored ventral surface, which also shows several dark patches.
Darker Ventral Surface
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What type of predator is the slender-snouted crocodile?
Ambush
As with all other crocodilians, the head of the slender-snouted crocodile is well-suited for its ambush predatory lifestyle.
Ballistic
Pursuit
Forager
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Which sex of slender-snouted crocodile begins the courtship ritual?
Female
Females approach males in the water and begin the courtship ritual.
Male
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When is the slender-snouted crocodile breeding season?
Early Rainy Season
Reproduction generally takes place at the start of the rainy season, oogenesis in females and spermatogenesis in males beginning in January and February.
Late Rainy Season
Late Dry Season
Early Dry Season
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What triggers mother slender-snouted crocodiles to uncover their nests?
Baby Squeaking
Soon after the slender-snouted crocodile offspring hatch, they begin to make squeaking noises, triggering the female to uncover the nest.
Baby Scent
Lower Humidity
Colder Temperature
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Slender-snouted crocodiles are cannibalistic.
True
Recent hatchlings face many of the same predators, as well as potential cannibalism by larger conspecifics.
False
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What is the slender-snouted crocodile’s status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?
Critically Endangered
The slender-snouted crocodile is listed as “Critically Endangered”.
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
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What is the slender-snouted crocodile’s scientific name?
Mecistops cataphractus
The slender-snouted crocodile’s scientific name is Mecistops cataphractus.
Mecistops eptorhynchus
Tomistoma schlegelii
Crocodylus niloticus
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Which sex of the slender-snouted crocodile constructs the nest?
Female
Slender-snouted crocodile nests are made by the female. They are typically 50 to 80 centimeters high, 130 to 220 centimeters long, and 120 to 200 centimeters wide.
Male
Both, Male & Female
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Slender-snouted crocodile’s have a semi-transparent third eyelid.
True
When hunting underwater, a semi-transparent third eyelid closes over the eye, likely limiting vision to light/dark differentiation.
False
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What is the slender-snouted crocodile’s population trend?
Decreasing
Based on the current estimated subpopulation declines and local extinctions throughout the Sahel, Lake Mweru, and Lake Tanganyika it is anticipated that slender-snouted crocodile subpopulations will become extinct.
Increasing
Unknown
Stable
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What threatens the slender-snouted crocodile?
Exploitation
The slender-snouted crocodile is threatened by explotation, habitat alteration, human encroachment, invasive species, and population reductions.
Habitat Alteration
The slender-snouted crocodile is threatened by explotation, habitat alteration, human encroachment, invasive species, and population reductions.
Invasive Species
The slender-snouted crocodile is threatened by explotation, habitat alteration, human encroachment, invasive species, and population reductions.
Human Encroachment
The slender-snouted crocodile is threatened by explotation, habitat alteration, human encroachment, invasive species, and population reductions.
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What do slender-snouted crocodiles eat?
Fish
When young, the slender-snouted crocodile’s diet consists mainly of aquatic species, particularly fish and small crustaceans. At larger sizes they feed on terrestrial mammals that drink from the rivers and lakes where the crocodiles live, such as water chevrotains (Hyemoschus aquaticus).
Ungulates
When young, the slender-snouted crocodile’s diet consists mainly of aquatic species, particularly fish and small crustaceans. At larger sizes they feed on terrestrial mammals that drink from the rivers and lakes where the crocodiles live, such as water chevrotains (Hyemoschus aquaticus).
Crustaceans
When young, the slender-snouted crocodile’s diet consists mainly of aquatic species, particularly fish and small crustaceans. At larger sizes they feed on terrestrial mammals that drink from the rivers and lakes where the crocodiles live, such as water chevrotains (Hyemoschus aquaticus).
Seagrass
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How long are slender-snouted crocodiles at birth?
28-35 cm. / 11-14 in.
Newly emerged hatchlings measure 28 to 35 centimeters long. Young slender-snouted crocodilian hatchlings resemble mature adults, except smaller.
18-25 cm. / 7-10 in.
38-45 cm. / 15-18 in.
8-15 cm. / 3-6 in.
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Why do slender-snouted crocodiles eat rocks?
Break Down Food
Although the purpose of the stones in slender-snouted crocodiles’ stomachs has yet to be confirmed, it appears likely that they serve to grind and break down food in the digestive tract, as is the case in other groups, such as herbivorous birds, seals, and sea lions, where they have been found.
Clean Teeth
Absorb Nutrients
Sharpen Teeth
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What is the maximum recorded length of a slender-snouted crocodile?
4 m. / 13 ft.
Slender-snouted crocodiles are small to medium-sized crocodilians, with a maximum recorded length of approximately 4 meters. Individuals over 3-3.5 meters are now rare, however.
2 m. / 6.5 ft.
3 m. / 10 ft.
5 m. / 16 ft.
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What is the ideal temperature of a slender-snouted crocodile nest?
27-34º C / 81-93º F
During incubation, mother slender-snouted crocodiles try to keep egg temperatures between 27.4º Celsius and 34º Celsius by keeping them in the nest.
22-27º C / 71-83º F
33-39º C / 91-103º F
16-23º C / 61-73º F
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How long is slender-snouted crocodile incubation?
90-100 Days
Slender-snouted crocodile nests house incubating eggs for 90 to 100 days.
119-130 Days
19-20 Days
9-10 Days
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Which sex of slender-snouted crocodile guards the nest?
Female
After a nest has been made and a clutch has been laid, slender-snouted crocodilian mothers guard their nests regularly throughout the incubation period.
Male
Both, Male & Female
None
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What waters does the slender-snouted crocodile inhabit?
Freshwater
They are most frequently found in freshwater environments and occasionally in brackish waters of coastal lagoons.
Brackish Water
They are most frequently found in freshwater environments and occasionally in brackish waters of coastal lagoons.
Saltwater
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How do slender-snouted crocodiles traverse?
Belly Crawl
Mainly, slender-snouted crocodiles will belly crawl through mud or on the banks of a river. They may also high walk by standing straight up on all four legs to move around on rougher, rockier terrain. While swimming, slender-snouted crocodiles move in a very graceful, serpentine motion through the water.
Quadrapedal Walking
Mainly, slender-snouted crocodiles will belly crawl through mud or on the banks of a river. They may also high walk by standing straight up on all four legs to move around on rougher, rockier terrain. While swimming, slender-snouted crocodiles move in a very graceful, serpentine motion through the water.
Swimming
Mainly, slender-snouted crocodiles will belly crawl through mud or on the banks of a river. They may also high walk by standing straight up on all four legs to move around on rougher, rockier terrain. While swimming, slender-snouted crocodiles move in a very graceful, serpentine motion through the water.
Bipedal Walking
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Which part of the slender-snouted crocodile lacks bony ridges?
Snout
Protective scales cover the slender-snouted crocodile’s skin, some of which are reinforced by bony plates to provide extra support. The snout lacks bony ridges, however.
Back
Tail
Stomach
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Slender-snouted crocodiles are territorial.
True
Male slender-snouted crocodilians are very territorial and will not tolerate other males or intruders in their territories.
False
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What is the slender-snouted crocodile’s alternate name?
West African Slender-Snouted Crocodile
The slender-snouted crocodile is also known as the West-African slender-snouted crocodile. The Central African slender-snouted crocodile is a different species.
Central African Slender-Snouted Crocodile
North African Slender-Snouted Crocodile
South African Slender-Snouted Crocodile
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How long have captive slender-snouted crocodiles lived?
38 Years
No reliable information is available regarding the average lifespan of wild slender-snouted crocodiles, but captive individuals have been documented to live for at least 38 years.
18 Years
28 Years
48 Years
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Slender-snouted crocodiles can see in color.
True
It’s assumed that crocodilians can see in color because their eyes have both rods and cones.
False
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Slender-snouted crocodiles produce the ___ average egg size among species in the genus.
Largest
Among species in the genus Crocodylus, slender-snouted crocodiles exhibit the largest average egg size.
Smallest
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Slender-snouted crocodiles perform visual displays to attract potential mates.
True
During mating season, crocodilian species perform visual displays to attract potential mates.
False
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What are the sexes of slender-snouted crocodile called?
Bull & Cow
Male slender-snouted crocodiles are called bulls, while females are called sows.
Jack & Jenny
Buck & Doe
Boar & Sow
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Slender-snouted crocodiles secrete chitinases.
False
Slender-snouted crocodilians do not secrete chitinases, so any chitinous or keratinous substances such as hair or mollusk shells accumulate in the gut and are most likely ejected through the mouth (which has been observed many times in captive individuals).
True
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Efforts to protect which species are also protecting the slender-snouted crocodile?
Chimpanzee
While the Sene-Gambia subpopulation is currently well protected, any loss of will to continually protect the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) colonies will result in near instantaneous extinction of this subpopulation.
Ring-Tailed Lemur
Western Gorilla
African Wild Dog
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What features suit the slender-snouted crocodile’s predatory lifestyle?
Forward-Facing Eyes
As with all other crocodilians, the head of the slender-snouted crocodile is well-suited for its ambush predatory lifestyle, with nostrils that sit high on the tip of the snout and eyes that face forward at the top of its head. This allows it to lie in wait at the edge of the water and stalk its prey while the rest of the body is almost completely submerged underwater, sit-and-wait style. Their eyes also contain a tapetum lucidum, a layer of guanine-rich retinal cells that amplify incoming light and greatly improve night vision.
Facial Features on Top of Head
As with all other crocodilians, the head of the slender-snouted crocodile is well-suited for its ambush predatory lifestyle, with nostrils that sit high on the tip of the snout and eyes that face forward at the top of its head. This allows it to lie in wait at the edge of the water and stalk its prey while the rest of the body is almost completely submerged underwater, sit-and-wait style. Their eyes also contain a tapetum lucidum, a layer of guanine-rich retinal cells that amplify incoming light and greatly improve night vision.
Camouflage
As with all other crocodilians, the head of the slender-snouted crocodile is well-suited for its ambush predatory lifestyle, with nostrils that sit high on the tip of the snout and eyes that face forward at the top of its head. This allows it to lie in wait at the edge of the water and stalk its prey while the rest of the body is almost completely submerged underwater, sit-and-wait style. Their eyes also contain a tapetum lucidum, a layer of guanine-rich retinal cells that amplify incoming light and greatly improve night vision.
Night Vision
As with all other crocodilians, the head of the slender-snouted crocodile is well-suited for its ambush predatory lifestyle, with nostrils that sit high on the tip of the snout and eyes that face forward at the top of its head. This allows it to lie in wait at the edge of the water and stalk its prey while the rest of the body is almost completely submerged underwater, sit-and-wait style. Their eyes also contain a tapetum lucidum, a layer of guanine-rich retinal cells that amplify incoming light and greatly improve night vision.
©️ Pandiyan V, Some Rights Reserved (CC BY-NC 2.0)
What activities do slender-snouted crocodiles partake in courting?
Chasing
During this courtship, crocodilians perform several activities involving swimming around each other and bodily contact. The female may even briefly swim away to encourage the male to chase her before continuing to circle.
Circling
During this courtship, crocodilians perform several activities involving swimming around each other and bodily contact. The female may even briefly swim away to encourage the male to chase her before continuing to circle.
Biting
Tail Whipping
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When do slender-snouted crocodiles lay eggs?
April
Around April, egg-laying occurs.
January
October
July
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What preys on young slender-snouted crocodiles?
Otters
Predation on crocodilians occurs mainly at the egg or hatchling stage. Various animals feed on the eggs of slender-snouted crocodiles, including spotted-necked otters (Hydrictis maculicollis), leopards (Panthera pardus), and various bird and rodent species.
Leopards
Predation on crocodilians occurs mainly at the egg or hatchling stage. Various animals feed on the eggs of slender-snouted crocodiles, including spotted-necked otters (Hydrictis maculicollis), leopards (Panthera pardus), and various bird and rodent species.
Birds
Predation on crocodilians occurs mainly at the egg or hatchling stage. Various animals feed on the eggs of slender-snouted crocodiles, including spotted-necked otters (Hydrictis maculicollis), leopards (Panthera pardus), and various bird and rodent species.
Rodents
Predation on crocodilians occurs mainly at the egg or hatchling stage. Various animals feed on the eggs of slender-snouted crocodiles, including spotted-necked otters (Hydrictis maculicollis), leopards (Panthera pardus), and various bird and rodent species.
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What percentage have slender-snouted crocodile populations declined?
50-80%
The slender-snouted crocodile is inferred to have undergone a past population reduction of between 50-80% based on direct observation, loss of range and suitable habitat, direct exploitation and the impacts of introduced species. The reduction is closer to 50–60% for Central Africa and 70–90% for West Africa.
10-40%
20-50%
60-90%
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What provides the slender-snouted crocodile’s forward propulsion?
Tail
Power for forward propulsion is provided by the tail, with the limbs providing very little, if any, aid in swimming.
Fore Feet
Hind Feet
Bony Ridges
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In what genus was the slender-snouted crocodile originally categorized?
Crocodylus
The slender-snouted crocodile’s genus reclassifcation has not yet been adopted by the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), and most authors continue to use the genus name Crocodylus when referring to this species.
Mecistops
Tomistoma
Osteolaemus
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With what do slender-snouted crocodiles construct nests?
Hind Legs
Slender-snouted crocodile nests are made primarily of dead vegetation and mud by the hind legs. They are typically 50 to 80 centimeters high, 130 to 220 centimeters long, and 120 to 200 centimeters wide.
Fore Legs
Snout
Tail
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How does the slender-snouted crocodile’s hearing compare to other reptiles?
More Sensitive
Hearing is very well-developed in crocodilians and is more sensitive than in other reptiles.
Less Sensitive
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Why do slender-snouted crocodiles share nests?
Deter Predators
Female crocodilians of various species, included slender-snouted crocodiles, have shown evidence that the nests of some species may be shared between multiple females. It’s believed that these species share nests to allow better deterrence of predators.
Cooperative Breeding
Limited Resources
Increase Temperature
©️ Markus Schroeder, Some Rights Reserved (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
It is anticipated that slender-snouted crocodile subpopulations will become extinct within how many generations into the future?
1
Based on the current estimated subpopulation declines and local extinctions throughout the Sahel, Lake Mweru, and Lake Tanganyika it is anticipated that slender-snouted crocodile subpopulations will become extinct within one generation into the future.
2
3
5
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Slender-snouted crocodiles continuously grow new teeth.
True
They continuously grow new teeth to replace any that are lost through fighting or feeding.
False
How much did you know about the slender-snouted crocodile? Share your results in the comments!
