Crocodiles are the largest and strongest reptilians who spend their lifetime in both land and water.
Crocodiles are amongst animals who swallow stones, these stones are scientifically called Gastrolith.
Gastrolith means stone which is swallowed by an animal. Therefore any stone or rock which is swallowed by animal is a Gastrolith.
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| A Crocodile |
Why do crocodiles eat stones?
Crocodiles don't swallow stones for enjoying the taste as they use to enjoy when they eat meat of the prey they hunt, but they use to swallow stones because of the following reasons.To support digestion system
Crocodiles swallow Stones so as to help digestion system in their stomachs, this because they eat food without chewing to crush them into small pieces. Their jaws can not move a side to allow teeth to grind food, thus these stones help to grind food after been swallowed in a crocodile's stomach.
To make them feel belly full
Another reason for crocodiles to swallow stones is because they want to feel full in their stomachs when they feel hungry, this makes them to stay for long time without getting food.
To support them in swimming
Also Crocodiles swallow stones so as to be able to swim especially when they want to go deeper in the water these stones help them to be heavy and maintain to go deep in to the water.
In addition; There are many other animals and birds who eat stones for digestion like whale, chicken, penguin etc.
Another reason for crocodiles to swallow stones is because they want to feel full in their stomachs when they feel hungry, this makes them to stay for long time without getting food.
To support them in swimming
Also Crocodiles swallow stones so as to be able to swim especially when they want to go deeper in the water these stones help them to be heavy and maintain to go deep in to the water.
In addition; There are many other animals and birds who eat stones for digestion like whale, chicken, penguin etc.