We’ve all heard the phrase “crocodile tears,” but do crocodiles actually cry? Interestingly enough, yes, they do, but not for the reasons you might think. Thanks to research and social media, the reason behind these reptile tears has been shared! This Instagram post by @horrorsunderwater talks about why a crocodile might cry. Read here to learn more about crocodile tears.
Crocodiles can be born without tails due to a genetic anomaly.
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Crocodile Tears
Crocodiles do actually cry, but for very different reasons than humans. Humans often cry as an emotional response to stimuli, while crocodiles cry as a simple physiological response. One explanation has to do with their jaw muscles. As crocodiles feed, the movements of their jaw and skull place pressure on the tear glands, causing secretion. Additionally, after leaving the water for dry land, crocodiles require tears to help lubricate their eyes, while looks a lot like crying. So, these tears have nothing to do with sadness and are simply a response to their environment. So where does the term come from?
Historically, it was believed that crocodiles would cry while eating their prey, displaying a strange mix of emotions. Once researchers discovered the true mechanism behind the tears, the scientific community realized these tears were not linked to emotion. Because crocodile’s cry in the absence of any strong emotional state, the term ‘crocodile tears‘ refers to a false display of emotion or insincere sorrow. The idiom has persisted for centuries and is still used in everyday language. The phrase fits perfectly, as “crying crocodile tears” indicates insincerity and is not a response to true emotion.
Do Other Animals Cry?
There are plenty of other species that also cry, but often not for the same reasons as humans. Current scientific consensus holds that humans are the only animals known to shed tears as an emotional response, such as from sadness or joy. There is no conclusive evidence that other animals cry emotional tears. Many mammals, such as dogs, cats, and primates, have tear ducts that secrete fluid. This process often removes debris from the eyes. Reptiles and birds have similar tear-like fluids for the same purpose, highlighting how universal tears are in the animal kingdom.
