New Jersey probably doesn't have that many species of reptiles because their ancestors couldn't handle the climate change. Reptiles are cold-blooded (exothermic) animals and rely on their environments to regulate their temperature. New Jersey experiences drastic climate changes and it's probably hard for reptiles to adapt to these conditions. That's why there's a larger variety in areas of the world that are warm year-round - they have an abundance of prey such as insects and reptiles can survive better in the winter due to milder climates. The reptiles found in New Jersey have adapted pretty well to surviving in our cold weather, but most do not have suitable adaptations resulting in a limited number of reptile species.
Reptiles are cold-blooded so they are unable to regulate their own body temperatures. In New Jersey, we have very hot summers and very cold winters. This is very difficult for reptiles as they can not produce their own heat or sweat to cool off. The reptiles we do have are very hearty and often spend most of their time hibernating to avoid the cold. As a result there are many that simply would never survive New Jersey.
New Jersey has a low number of reptilian species most likely due to the climate. With reptiles being a cold-blooded species, they need external aid to regulate their body temperatures. While it is often hot enough for these species to not only survive but thrive, more than half of the year it tends to be so cold that these animals would likely freeze to death.
New Jersey probably doesn't have that many species of reptiles because their ancestors couldn't handle the climate change. Reptiles are cold-blooded (exothermic) animals and rely on their environments to regulate their temperature. New Jersey experiences drastic climate changes and it's probably hard for reptiles to adapt to these conditions. That's why there's a larger variety in areas of the world that are warm year-round - they have an abundance of prey such as insects and reptiles can survive better in the winter due to milder climates. The reptiles found in New Jersey have adapted pretty well to surviving in our cold weather, but most do not have suitable adaptations resulting in a limited number of reptile species.
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Reptiles are cold-blooded so they are unable to regulate their own body temperatures. In New Jersey, we have very hot summers and very cold winters. This is very difficult for reptiles as they can not produce their own heat or sweat to cool off. The reptiles we do have are very hearty and often spend most of their time hibernating to avoid the cold. As a result there are many that simply would never survive New Jersey.
ReplyDeleteNew Jersey has a low number of reptilian species most likely due to the climate. With reptiles being a cold-blooded species, they need external aid to regulate their body temperatures. While it is often hot enough for these species to not only survive but thrive, more than half of the year it tends to be so cold that these animals would likely freeze to death.
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