What did iguanas evolve from?
It is believed that around 4.5 million years ago, marine iguanas evolved from land iguanas that were brought to the Galapagos and adapted to a sea-faring life in order to survive on the islands.
How did the marine iguana adapt to the Galapagos Islands?
Aquatic Adaptations They have dark gray coloring to better absorb sunlight after their forays into the frigid Galápagos waters. And they even have special glands that clean their blood of extra salt, which they ingest while feeding.
What do Galapagos iguanas eat?
algae
Marine iguanas take to the water to feed. They mostly eat red and green algae, both in subtidal and deeper, cooler water. Their blunt noses and sharp teeth allow them to easily graze on the algae growing on rocks.
What do lava lizards eat?
insects
Lava lizards are omnivores but dine mostly on insects. They eat spiders, moths, flies, beetles and some plants. They are extremely helpful in controlling insect populations, especially the painted locust.
Are Komodo dragons on the Galapagos Islands?
Komodo dragons live on several islands in Indonesia, not the Galapagos islands. They live in forests and grasslands near the beach on these islands…
How has the Galapagos land iguana adapted?
The short, blunt nose is well-adapted to feeding on algae growing on rocks. The flattened tail is perfect for swimming, propelling the iguana through the water while its legs hang useless at its sides. Iguanas rid themselves of excess salt, consumed along with the algae, by a special gland connected to their nostrils.
Why is the marine iguana endangered?
They are also threatened by the impacts of climate change. Sea level and air temperature rise can affect their beach nesting habitat and the iguanas’ ability to regulate its body temperature while on land, as well as interfere with egg development.
What is a marine iguana’s enemies?
The marine iguana enjoys a habitat with few predators. Known predators are hawks, owls, snakes, crabs, rats, and feral dogs and cats. Both adult iguanas and their eggs are preyed upon. Females are especially at risk of predation during breeding season in the open nesting areas.
Why do male Lava Lizards do push-ups?
Fighting does occur between male lava lizards – they ‘slap’ each other with their tail or side and may even take to biting each other – but this is usually reserved as a last resort. They will first adopt a visual display in an attempt to intimidate the intruder. This is the purpose of the push-ups.