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Why do tuatara bask at the entrances of their burrows during daylight?
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tuatara
The species is the sole living member of the reptile order Rhynchocephalia.
Tuatara bask at the entrances of their burrows during daylight hours primarily to engage in thermoregulation.1
As ectothermic (cold-blooded) reptiles, tuatara do not generate their own internal body heat and must rely on external sources to regulate their temperature. By basking in the sun, they are able to elevate their body temperature, which is essential for maintaining optimal levels for various activities. While tuatara are largely nocturnal and often experience conditions where thermoregulation is impossible, this behavioral strategy allows them to manage their body heat despite their preference for cooler, low-light environments.21