Water Can't Stop this Mighty Galapagos Lizard!

by Aloinab Gezae, age 8

Have you ever heard about an iguana that can swim? You’ll be learning all about the marine iguana, a subspecies that is native to the eastern Pacific volcanic islands of South America, known as the Galapagos.

The marine iguana has black scaly skin as protection against rough terrain when it hunts for food. The marine iguana enjoys many different meals, such as seaweed or small marine animals. These creatures can live up to 20 to 40 years based on their diet.

A marine iguana can stay underwater for about one hour before having to resurface for air. These iguanas go back and forth from island and water. While it is a useful skill to have, it also affects their digestive system since the cold sea water shuts down their internal organs. The marine iguana’s body needs to warm up in order to digest its food once it comes on land.

Ultimately, the marine iguana is an amazing creature that has adapted to its environment and its ability to enter waters makes it a strong creature in surviving the wild.

[Source: Snakes and Reptiles The Scariest Cold-Blooded Creatures on Earth ]