Photos: Crocodile Bite is Strongest among Any Living Animal: 5 Other Animals With Strong Bites [PHOTOS]
By Sangeetha Seshagiri | Mar 17, 2012 11:14 AM EDT
The salt-water crocodile bite is the strongest among any living animal, according to scientists.
Scientists led by Gregory M Erickson of Florida State University measured the bite forces, as well as tooth pressures, for mature adults from all 23 living crocodile species, including crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials, reported the Science Daily.
They found that a 17-foot salt-water crocodile's bite force value is 3,700 pounds. That is the highest bite force ever recorded beating a 2,980-pound value for a 13-foot wild American alligator that was measured in 2005 by Erickson.
The researchers also believe that the ancestors of these crocodiles, that were said to be around 35- to 40 feet, had a bite force of 23,100 pounds. They believe that these ancient crocodiles might have had a stronger bite force than a T-rex bite.
The study has been published in the journal online journal Public Library of Science ONE
Apart from the salt-water crocodile, there are other animals that have strong bites. From the white shark to alligators, hyenas to gray wolves these animals have strong jaws and their bites are more powerful.
Let us take a look at the salt-water crocodile and other animals that have the powerful bites:
Salt-water crocodile has the strongest bite force of any living animal
Source: REUTERS/Russell Boyce
In 2005, scientists found that a 13-foot wild American Alligator had 2,980-pounds of bite force
Source: REUTERS/Ivan Milutinovic
Great white sharks eat far more than previously thought
Source: REUTERS / Seachangetechnolgy
Spotted Hyena is renowned for its powerful bite. They have strong jaws
Source: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
Gray Wolf is the largest member of canine family that have powerful bites
Source: REUTERS/Canon USA/Handout
Caiman belongs to the alligator family. They resemble alligators in appearance and have broader snouts.
Source: REUTERS/Carlos Jasso
