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| Marine Iguana |
The lizard-like reptiles known as Marine Iguanas are called one of the most unusual species living in the Galapagos. Charles Darwin even described them as "hideous" and "most disgusting, clumsy lizards". Although these reptiles look fierce, they are actually harmless herbivores who exclusively feed on algae and seaweed found underwater. They live on the land, but they go underwater for food. Marine Iguanas are able to dive and remain underwater for an hour, though the average time for one to stay submerged while feeding is about 5 to 10 minutes before their muscles begin to seize up from the cold waters. They are the worlds only sea lizards. When their ancestors first arrived in the Galapagos they were land animals, but were forced to learn to swim in order to eat and survive. With a single breath they can dive down to 30 feet. These iguanas have short noses that are well adapted to eating the algae growing on rocks. Their legs are not helpful when swimming so they lay useless by their sides. However the Marine Iguana has a flat tail which is used to propel them through the water. They don't have many predators underwater, but on land they are prey to hawks and other birds.
The Average size for a marine Iguana to grow is 4 to 5 feet (the males are usually larger than the females). Because the water is so cold, these cold-blooded reptiles spend lots of their time laying out on the rocks soaking up the sun. Marine Iguanas are able to live up to 60 years. The male Iguanas are usually more bright in color than the females are. Marine Iguanas show their colors more and more as they mature and get older. The younger Iguanas are black, the adults can be red and black, black, green, red, or grey. Both color and the size of these Iguanas all depend on which Island they are found on.
When Marine Iguanas are hungry they become thinner and shorter, but they grow when they become full again. The female Iguanas lay their eggs in burrows. They usually lay 2 to 3 large eggs that hatch 2 and a half to four months later. Male Iguanas bob their heads as a form of a threat jester that warns other males to stay clear of them. Small fights sometimes occur between males, but these fights are always quite harmless. They usually consist of the two Iguanas putting their heads together and trying to push their opponent backwards.
Marine Iguanas are known for getting rid of excess salt from the water they swim in. How do you think they do it? How do you think Marine Iguanas differ from any other type of Iguana?
Galapagos Conservancy
Cornell University
National Geographic
Click here to watch a video on the Marine Iguanas of the Galapagos Islands
In order to remove the excess salt from the water in which the marine iguanas swim, I believe they sneeze. I think Marine Iguanas differ from other types of iguanas due to their special anatomy that helps them swim. For example, their flat tail is used to propel them through the water.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Josh. The iguanas are very unique because their bodies allow them to swim fast unlike any other lizards in the world. The tails allow them to catch food and swim quickly away from predators. That's cool that they sneeze! They are so unique and unlike any other animal on the islands or in the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Josh. The iguanas are very unique because their bodies allow them to swim fast unlike any other lizards in the world. The tails allow them to catch food and swim quickly away from predators. That's cool that they sneeze! They are so unique and unlike any other animal on the islands or in the world.
ReplyDeleteJust so I don't sound like I'm copying the other comments, I will go with a different response. Oil on ducks feathers help keep the water off of it, so maybe there is some substance on the skin of the iguanas that prevents it from absorbing the salt water. If they drink the water, I'm sure there is some sort of gland in their digestive tracts that break down or prevent the salt from reaching the rest of the body. They differ from other iguanas by swimming, diving, diet, and appearance. The way they swim and dive to collect their food is incredible. I know I would have trouble eating underwater! Their diet is mostly algae, and their bodies are streamline in order to help with their underwater expeditions.
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