The nest of a Chinese Alligator not only serves as a holding and protective place for the female's eggs, but they also offer warmth, acting as a thermal insulator.
As the nest is created using natural debris, the decomposition of this debris provides a source of warmth.
Another useful source of heat for the developing eggs is the metabolic heat produced by the embryos.
In order to produce an even batch of male and female young, the temperature should be approximately 31 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 31 can produce females, whereas temperatures above 31 can result in males.