Навіщо крокодилу камінці? | Why would a crocodilian swallow stones?

Crocodilians sometimes swallow small stones called gastroliths. But what are they for? A study of juvenile American alligators found that gastroliths can reduce buoyancy and extend voluntary dives. Researchers have also proposed that stones help mix or grind food in crocodiles, but their digestive role and its importance remain debated; this is not a universal explanation for all crocodilians.