Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Crocodilian Senses
Have you ever heard of crocodile tears? A person who is crying crocodile tears is only pretending to cry. A story from long ago says that crocodiles would often cry. Their tears would make people feel sorry for the crocodiles and come near them. Then the crocodiles would eat the people. Another story says that crocodiles would cry before finishing a meal to pretend that they felt sorry for their prey.
Crocodiles don't really shed tears, but they do have very good eyesight. Their eyes are on top of their heads. This makes it easy for crocodiles to see above water as they swim. Scientists think crocodiles are able to see colors. Crocodiles can see very well at night. The pupils in their eyes open very wide to let in as much light as possible. Crocodiles don't see as well underwater. A transparent membrane covers their eyes. This membrane makes things look foggy.
If you look at a crocodile, you might think it doesn't have any ears. But be very quiet. Crocodiles do have ears, and they can hear very well. They can even hear their babies making sounds inside their egg shells. The ears of crocodiles are slits on their heads. The slits have flaps that act as covers when the crocodiles go underwater. These flaps protect the inner ears of the crocodiles.
