Thick-skinned crocodilians are actually more sensitive to touch than humans, according to scientists.
US researchers investigated the dome-shaped dots along the jaws of alligators and crocodiles.
They discovered the bumps were made of specialised cells and were more sensitive than human fingertips.
The neuroscientists suggest the sensitive spots play a major part in the aquatic reptiles' impressive reaction times when hunting.
The findings are published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.
Co-author Duncan Leitch from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, US, commented: "The jaws of crocodiles seem to be unique" and can almost be said to perform some of the tactile functions of human hands.
Mr Leitch explained that because crocodilians' forelimbs are too short to grasp anything, they use their jaws in maternal care - gently cracking open eggs and transporting their young inside their mouths.
Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/20222022
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