Crocodiles have a highly developed sense of hearing, which plays a vital role in their survival. They hear through specialized ears that are located just behind their eyes. These ears are designed to pick up low-frequency sounds, which are particularly important for detecting the movements of potential prey or rivals.
The outer ear is not visible like in mammals; instead, crocodiles have a flap of skin that covers their ear openings when they are submerged underwater. This skin flap helps to prevent water from entering their ears, allowing them to focus on sounds above the water. When they are on land, this flap can open to allow sound waves to travel in more freely.
In addition to their ears, crocodiles also have another layer of auditory capability through their bones. They can perceive vibrations and low-frequency sounds via the bones in their skull, which can help them sense movements in their environment even when they are unable to hear them directly.
Overall, the combination of specialized ears and the ability to detect vibrations make crocodiles formidable hunters, allowing them to be effective both in the water and on land.