Agama lizards bask in the sun primarily to raise their body temperature and become more active. Like other reptiles, Agama lizards are cold-blooded and depend on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. By basking in the sun, they absorb heat and warm up their bodies, which allows them to become more active and better able to carry out essential activities such as foraging and hunting.
While basking, Agama lizards may also change the color of their body, but this is a secondary function and not the primary reason for their behavior. The change in color is due to the movement of pigment cells in their skin, which respond to changes in temperature, light, and other environmental factors.
Basking in the sun does not directly help Agama lizards fight to defend their territories or attract females for courtship. These are behaviors that are usually associated with male Agama lizards, who may engage in territorial displays and physical combat to establish dominance over their rivals and attract females. However, basking in the sun can indirectly support these behaviors by helping the lizards stay active and alert, which can give them an advantage in territorial disputes and courtship rituals.