Question

Why would it be pointless for reptiles to sit on their eggs to incubate them as birds do?

Answer 1

Reptiles are ectotherms and cannot raise their body temperature above that of the environment.

Answer 2

Answer:

The options:

A. Reptiles have teeth with which to defend their eggs from predators, so they do not need to hide the eggs.

B. Reptiles have no feathers and cannot cushion the eggs from bumping into each other without them.

C. Reptiles are ectotherms and cannot raise their body temperature above that of the environment.

D. Reptile eggs are not amniotic and have no shell, so sitting on them would crush them.

The CORRECT ANSWER IS C.

C. Reptiles are ectotherms and cannot raise their body temperature above that of the environment.

Explanation:

Birds do position themselves on their eggs so as to keep it warm and cause the eggs to hatch as its body temperature of the hen supply the needed heat. Birds are well known endothermic homeotherms, and keep to a single body temperature. In comparison to reptiles which are ectothermic poikilotherms, that have its body temperature heavily reliant on the temperature of its surroundings environment.