What is the approximate maximum running speed that a crocodile can reach on land over a short distance, expressed in kilometres per hour (km/h)?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with animal speed records and correct units. Crocodiles are usually thought of as slow on land, but they can move surprisingly fast over short distances. Knowing their approximate maximum running speed in kilometres per hour helps in answering general knowledge questions about animal capabilities and correcting common myths.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The animal under discussion is the crocodile.
• The focus is on its maximum running speed on land, not swimming speed.
• The options provide several speeds in km/h, including moderate values.
• We assume the question wants an approximate but realistic upper limit observed over short bursts.

Concept / Approach:
Crocodiles are adapted mainly for aquatic life and short rapid lunges rather than long distance running. However, they can achieve short bursts of speed on land when necessary. Many general knowledge sources state that a crocodile can reach around 17 km/h in a sprint. Lower values underestimate this ability, while much higher values would be unrealistic for such a heavy, short legged reptile. Therefore, the best answer here is the option closest to this commonly quoted figure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that crocodiles are not endurance runners but can move quickly over short distances near water. Step 2: Remember that exam handbooks often quote a crocodile's maximum running speed as around 17 km/h. Step 3: Examine the options and identify the speeds 5 km/h, 12 km/h, 15 km/h, 17 km/h and 25 km/h. Step 4: Eliminate 5 km/h as too slow for a sprinting reptile and 25 km/h as too fast for a crocodile's build. Step 5: Among the remaining values, 17 km/h matches the standard approximate figure, so choose 17 km/h as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
General knowledge tables on animal speeds often list a crocodile's land speed around 17 km/h, sometimes described as comparable to a fast human jog. Wildlife references emphasise that while crocodiles can move quickly over a few metres, they tire rapidly, reinforcing that this speed is for short bursts only. This repeated approximate value across sources confirms that 17 km/h is the expected answer in exams.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
5 km/h is close to a slow walk and does not reflect the rapid lunging ability of crocodiles when they charge.
12 km/h and 15 km/h are closer but still usually fall below the commonly quoted maximum, and exam questions typically use the higher approximate figure.
25 km/h would make crocodiles as fast as some large mammals on land, which is inconsistent with their body structure and typical behaviour.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to assume that crocodiles are extremely slow on land and choose the lowest speed, or to assume that all predators must be very fast and pick an unrealistically high value. Another issue is confusion with speeds of other reptiles or mammals. To avoid these mistakes, it is useful to memorise a small set of typical animal speeds and note that crocodiles can reach around 17 km/h in short bursts on land.

Final Answer:
The approximate maximum running speed of a crocodile on land is about 17 km/h over a short distance.