The evolution of dome pressure receptors in crocodiles

Abstract

Crocodilians have evolved specialized sensory organs on their skin so as to detect small disruptions of the air-water interface. These specialized sensory organs are called dome pressure receptors (DPRs). All species of crocodilians possess DPRs but have different distribution on their bodies. In alligators, the DPRs are innervated by a dedicated hypertrophied trigeminal system. Evidence of the presence of DPRs is also seen in fossils from the Jurassic period, indicating that these semi-aquatic predators solved the problem of combining armor with tactile sensitivity many millions of years ago. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.