Living fossils, the crocodilians

The history of living fossils is the topic of discussion for this broadcast. Charles M. Bogert, AMNH herpetologist, discusses the habits and history of huge reptiles, such as garials, caymans and other crocodiles. The living fossils indicate that the appearance of the creatures has not changed substantially in more than 150 million years; Bogert exhibits a giant crocodile skull over six feet in length on the program. Using a live ten-foot alligator in the studio, Ross Allen, owner of the Reptile Institute at Silver Springs, Florida, demonstrates methods of defense used by the species. Film material of crocodiles hatching eggs and rearing young, the collection of young and adult animals, and closeups of the creatures further augments this show.