Researchers have noticed a significant and troubling change in the reproduction of
crocodiles in Costa Rica. Normally, five female crocodiles hatch for every one male, a
ratio that has long sustained the species. Recently however, some hatches are showing
an equal number of males and females. It is temperature that determines the sex of
crocodile eggs. Higher temperatures result in more males and lower temperatures result
in more females. This is one reason some researchers believe the warming climate could
lead to the decline of the species.
What do some researchers believe will lead to the decline of crocodiles?
Crocodiles will be unable to withstand the high heat from global warming.
Warmer temperatures will cause fewer females to hatch than in the past.
Male crocodiles will not survive as long as females after they hatch.