Crocodile Opening Mouth Strength
The alligator s broad snout is designed for strength.
Crocodile opening mouth strength. The crocodile jaw has very little opening strength though. Presumably to cool itself. But crocodiles have very little strength opening their jaws and a person could hold the jaw shut with their hands.
A crocodile s large fourth tooth on the lower jaw is always visible when the mouth closes. For example a crocodile s mouth can be held shut with a rubber band. On the other hand they have the strongest bite force of all animals.
In fact there is well defined space in the upper jaw behind the nostrils for this lower fourth. The other reason that comes to mind is in regard to hunting. The crocodile can snap its jaw shut quickly and with much power.
Crocodiles range in size from african dwarf crocodiles that measure rarely over 5 feet 1 5 m to saltwater crocodiles which can approach 23 feet 7 m. In addition to their strong jaws crocodiles also have very keen. This means that the upper teeth interlock with the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
By contrast you might tear into a steak with 150 to 200. The winners saltwater crocodiles slammed their jaws shut with 3 700 pounds per square inch psi or 16 460 newtons of bite force.
