Reptiles are ectotherm creatures whist birds are endotherm creatures How would this affect the feeding habits of reptiles and birds?

Answer 1

Cladistically/evolutionarily speaking.... Birds are a type of reptile (they even have scales on their feet, and feathers are modified scales). Crocs have a 4 chambered heart (and are archosaurs like birds), and likely evolved from warm blooded ancestors - they are secondarily cold blooded. But overlooking the faults in the question, cold blooded reptiles will not need to eat as often as the warm blooded reptiles (of which birds are the only surviving ground of warm blooded reptiles)

**An answer, that would most likely be used on a test, would be that endotherms are capable of producing their own heat, while ecotherms cannot. This would mean that ectotherms would most like feed during the day, when the sun is out to warm them up and give them energy and rest at night when they would be slower and either less capable of getting food or more capable of being eaten. Endotherms produce their own heat and, therefore, not reliant on the sun for warmth.

Answer 2

Because reptiles are ectotherms, they require less energy to maintain their body temperature and can go longer periods without food. This allows them to have slower metabolisms and feed less frequently than birds, which are endotherms and require more energy to maintain their body temperature. Birds need to eat more frequently to support their higher metabolic rate.