Why does my pet...?
Why does my bearded dragon bask all morning?
Short answer: Lizards are ectotherms: they warm up from their surroundings, not from their own body heat. Basking is how a bearded dragon powers up.
Updated
In more detail
Wild bearded dragons are darker when cool, which may help them absorb heat.
The wild side
Central bearded dragons bask on rocks and branches in the Australian outback.
Try this
Light and heat matter a lot for pet reptiles; follow care guidance for your species.
See it in the episode
Why Lizards Wait for the Sun (Backyard Giants, episode 3)
Questions people ask
Why does my bearded dragon bask all morning?
Lizards are ectotherms: they warm up from their surroundings, not from their own body heat. Basking is how a bearded dragon powers up. Wild bearded dragons are darker when cool, which may help them absorb heat. For questions about your reptile's light, heat, diet or health, ask your vet.
Sources
For questions about your reptile's light, heat, diet or health, ask your vet.