Tonic immobility in the alligator appears to be a form of vasovagal syncope which arises, in part, from the unique features of the crocodilian heart. Keywords: Blood flow; Carotid; Crocodilian; Perfusion; Posture.

Does tonic immobility work on crocodiles?

Young says a full minute of immobility would be a lot for an alligator. Once they had documented that alligators actually do go into tonic immobility, the researchers explored why. Young would strap an alligator to a long plank that was placed over sawhorses.

What happens if you turn a crocodile upside down?

If you roll an alligator on its back and hold it there, it will exhibit a strange behavior. After 15 or 20 seconds, the alligator will go limp and become unresponsive. It's called tonic immobility and, for a phenomenon so widespread in the animal kingdom, we know surprisingly little about it.