<p>Why can an aquatic reptile like an alligator snapping turtle remain submerged for a long period of time?</p>
<h2>It's not a matter of "can," but rather a matter of necessity. Aligators and turtles are what are called poikilotherms, or ecotherms; in other words, their blood temperature is directly affected by temperature. Then again, when looking at other reptilian organisms--snakes, and yes, aligators also may sit out in the sun to warm themselves. If you want, I can can get into the foundamentals of a three chambered heart as found in frogs. Our in general, an open circulatory system found in all poikilotherms. </h2>
<p>If you have any bio questions, I started a room for review...just post there next time. Thanks.</p>
<p>Ectotherms have a very low metabolic rate. The can use the amount of oxygen in one breath for a long time.</p>
<p>I would just like to elaborate. Because they are ectotherms, their body temeperature changes with the environment, so in the cooler water, their body temp goes down, thus their metabolism goes down. Lower metabolism means less respiration, lower respiration means less required oxygen.</p>