Crocodiles haven’t changed much in the past 100 million years or so. After all that time to evolve, there are fewer than 30 species of crocodilian; compare that with birds, who have evolved into almost 10,000 extant species in just 65 million years.

The crocs have clearly hit on a winning formula. These strong, conical teeth sink deep into flesh, causing a grip that cannot be broken. They boast the most powerful bite in the animal kingdom, enabling them to quickly immobilise their prey in ambush attacks. That jaw strength is purely focused on downwards motion; no sideways motion means that they cannot chew. Instead, they tear off chunks of flesh to swallow whole.

This killer combination worked for the crocodiles of millions of years ago, which fed on small dinosaurs and other unfortunate prehistoric animals. And it works for the crocodiles of today – including this Nile crocodile of the Chobe river which feeds on anything from fish to wildebeest.

What big teeth.....Nile Crocodile, Botswana