Some reptiles, like snakes, have olfactory receptors on their tongues on the roof of their mouths on their skin at the tip of their tails

the level of progesterone is low at the pre-ovulatory phase of the cycle but it gradually increases and the levels are high at the luteal phase. if pregnancy occurs, the level of progesterone will be high throughout the pregnancy.

if egg is fertilized and the mother gets pregnant, progesterone starts preparing the uterus for the implantation. it starts building up the lining of uterus and make it hostile of the period of pregnancy.