Mike Clinton
Introduction: Understanding the Australian Climate
Australia is a vast continent with a diverse range of climatic conditions. The country is known for its harsh and variable climates, which range from tropical rainforests in the north to arid deserts in the central regions. Despite the extreme conditions, reptiles are known to thrive in the Australian environment. In this article, we explore the reasons why reptiles are so well adapted to the Australian climate.
The Role of Temperature in Reptile Distribution
Temperature is a key factor in reptile distribution. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals, and they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This means that they are generally found in regions where temperatures are warm enough to support their metabolic processes. In Australia, reptiles are found in a variety of habitats, from dry deserts to tropical rainforests. This is because they have evolved to cope with a wide range of temperatures, and are able to regulate their body temperature by moving between sunny and shady areas, or by basking on rocks or other surfaces.