Saltwater Crocodile 13D HA

The Saltwater crocodile is an ectotherm, meaning its body temperature depends on its external environment. Reptiles, including Saltwater Crocodiles thermoregulate mainly by behavioural adaptations.

A crocodile can cool itself by entering water, and also displays further behavioural adaptations in that, in cool weather crocodiles heat themselves by basking in the sun. Crocodiles also employ the use of shade to cool themselves. When their body temperature is high, crocodiles gape their mouths to increase the rate of evaporation, the latent heat of evaporation results in a cooling effect.

Reptiles in general, do have some physiological adaptations, such in that, according to the temperature, the heart rate increases or decreases. An increase in heart rate results in cooling as blood flows more often past the surface. This means that there is a more efficient exchange of heat energy between the surroundings the crocodile. The large size of crocodiles and ability to retain heat means that they can maintain their body heat for longer periods of time. Due to all these adaptations, Saltwater crocodiles can have high and stable body temperatures.