The term “cold-blooded” implies that these animals are in a never-ending struggle to stay warm. That really isn't correct. Many species do like it hot, with some monitor lizards basking at temperatures of 120–150 F.

What happens to cold blooded animals in the heat?

Cold-blooded animals do not maintain a constant body temperature. They get their heat from the outside environment, so their body temperature fluctuates, based on external temperatures. If it is 50 °F outside, their body temperature will eventually drop to 50 °F, as well.

What environment do cold blooded animals like?

In hot environments, their blood can get much warmer than that of warm-blooded animals in the same area. To regulate their temperature, cold-blooded animals bask perpendicular to sun rays to get warm, and when they want to cool down they lie parallel to the sun, or keep their mouths open or seek shade.