Different crocodilian behaviours have been categorised on the basis of their
primary function - maintenance, social interactions and reproduction.
Maintenance behaviours include daily activities associated with
thermoregulation and osmoregulation (movements between water and land, sun and
shade), predator avoidance and feeding.
Social behaviours involve communication between individuals of the same
species, which is achieved using visual, tactile, vocal and chemical signals.
Reproductive behaviours are those associated with courtship, mating, nesting
and post-hatching care.
Mother crocodile cares and protects babies.
Test sources: G. Webb and C. Manolis (1989). “Crocodiles of Australia” (Reed Books:
Sydney);
K. Richardson, G. Webb and C. Manolis (2000). “Crocodiles: Inside and
Out” (Surrey Beatty and Sons: Sydney).
