American Alligator
Texas Gulf Coast
Another feature alligators possess, is the ability to regulate body temperature by lying with its mouth open. On sunny days, alligators can be seen basking in the sun which on its own is a method of regulating body temperature, but they also open their mouths in a behavior called “gaping”. Both of these actions help allow the animal to keep a stable 77° F internal body temperature. It has also been speculated that these animals keep their mouths open to reduce the risk of a fungal infection by allowing the mouth to dry out. Basking also aids in digestion for alligators as it helps increase the metabolic rate as opposed to when the animal is in colder conditions the metabolic rate is slowed
American Alligator
Texas Gulf Coast
Another feature alligators possess, is the ability to regulate body temperature by lying with its mouth open. On sunny days, alligators can be seen basking in the sun which on its own is a method of regulating body temperature, but they also open their mouths in a behavior called “gaping”. Both of these actions help allow the animal to keep a stable 77° F internal body temperature. It has also been speculated that these animals keep their mouths open to reduce the risk of a fungal infection by allowing the mouth to dry out. Basking also aids in digestion for alligators as it helps increase the metabolic rate as opposed to when the animal is in colder conditions the metabolic rate is slowed