Book 4, Question 110
Why Do Turtles Bask on Logs?
Turtles are cold-blooded, so they use the sun as a heater. Water steals heat, but air and sunshine give it back. A log is a dry, safe bench where a turtle can warm up.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- Turtles are cold-blooded, so they cannot control their body temperature on their own.
- They climb onto logs and rocks just outside the water to warm up in the sun.
- Pond turtles need logs or rocks sticking out of the water for basking, plus underwater hiding places.
- In Australia, scientists spotted river turtles basking in the moonlight.
- Night basking may help turtles cool off when the water is warm.
- Scientists then asked other scientists around the world to watch for turtles basking at night.
Sources: National Geographic, National Park Service, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
Do turtles bask only in the sun?
No. Scientists in Australia have seen river turtles basking at night in the moonlight, which may help them cool off.