Marine iguanas are the only species of modern
lizards that forage in the ocean.
They are found exclusively on the Galapagos
Islands.
Various subspecies exist throughout the islands,
resulting in a variation in their color and
size.
Marine iguanas prefer to inhabit rocky shores.
Adults venture to the sea to feed on algae.
They use their sharp claws to cling onto rocks
while their sharp teeth tear the algae off
of rocks.
Their heads are more blunt than most lizards,
making it easier for them to tear the algae
off of rocks.
Their tail is used to swim gracefully through
the water.
Marine iguanas can reach up to 5ft (1.5 m)
long.
Males are more brightly colored and they grow
larger than females.
Males also tend to feed farther away from
shore.
These lizards can remain submerged for up
to an hour, but dives of 5 to 10 minutes are
the most common.
In order to conserve energy, their heart rate
drops in half during dives.
However, they still cannot withstand the cold
water temperatures for very long.
Marine iguanas are cold-blooded, meaning that
they cannot generate their own body heat.
Because of this, they spend much of their
time sunning themselves while resting on rocks.
At night, they may huddle together to stay
warm.
When feeding, the iguanas consume large amounts
of salt.
They possess special glands on their heads
that assist them in expelling the excess salt
consumed.
Mating and nesting take place on land.
During breeding season, males will compete
for mates.
Females can lay up to six eggs in the sand.
The young hatch after about three months.
The eggs and new hatchlings are commonly preyed
on by birds, along with more recently introduced
animals like rats, cats, and dogs.
Besides introduced animals, marine iguanas
are also threatened by oil spills.
Due to their isolated populations, they are
listed as being vulnerable to extinction.
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