Why are the crocodile’s methods of locomotion suited to it?

On land, crocodiles belly crawl, walk high, and gallop. Belly crawling is lizard-like, belly-on-the-ground slithering. However, the muscles in its limbs are strong enough to allow the animal to lift its belly off the ground too. Walking high, crocodiles stand up on all four feet with their abdomens off the ground, moving their legs like a dog or cow. Galloping is walking high at highest speed, used for fast charges and quick escapes into water. Crocodiles can gallop ten miles an hour in short bursts and use speed and surprise for hunting and defense.

Crocodiles can move in several ways in the water. They swish their long tails side to side to propel themselves forward in the water. While swimming at low speeds or in shallows, they also use their webbed hind legs. When they swim fast, they fold their legs close to their bodies to become streamlined. By angling their body upwards, crocodiles can jump out of the water. They can launch themselves out of the water for over half its body length or more!