Alligators are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is influenced by the temperature of their environment. When the weather is cold, alligators need to elevate their body temperature to maintain proper physiological functions. They do this by basking in sunlight or laying on warm surfaces, like sand or rocks.
As the sun heats the sand or rocks, these materials absorb and retain that heat. When an alligator lies on these warm surfaces, heat transfers from the sand or rock to the alligator’s body through conduction. This process raises the alligator's body temperature, allowing it to become more active and maintain its metabolic processes. Essentially, the warm surface acts as a heat source, helping the alligator regulate its body temperature in cooler conditions.