Marine Iguana: Only Lizard That Can Swim And Dive
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
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Marine iguanas are the only lizards that can swim and dive. They can grow up to 4.3 feet long
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They are native to the Galapagos Islands and live in colonies on rocky shores, beaches, mangrove swamps, and marshes
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Marine iguanas are herbivores that eat algae, which is their primary food source
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They have several adaptations, including flattened tails and blunt snouts, that help them survive in the ocean
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Their dark colouration helps them absorb solar energy and maintain warmth after diving
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Marine iguanas have a nasal gland that filters excess salt from their blood and expels it in a sneeze-like fashion
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Marine iguanas can dive to depths of 30 meters or more and remain underwater for up to 30 minutes and can hold their breath for up to 10 minutes
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Despite being locally abundant, marine iguanas are considered threatened, primarily from El Nino cycles, and introduced predators
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