marine iguana
Ocean-diving reptile
A marine iguana is a large lizard found only in the Galápagos Islands, unique among iguanas for its ability to forage in the sea.
It feeds on algae, diving into cold Pacific waters and using its flattened tail to swim.
Dark coloration helps it absorb heat after ocean forays: Marine iguanas bask on volcanic rocks between dives.
Darkest possible hue
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- spinesStiff, pointed projections
- clawsAnimal gripping nails
- wrinkled skinCreased bodily covering
British naturalist, species theorist
- archipelagoChain of scattered islands
- evolutionSpecies changing over generations
- volcanicOf fiery mountain origin
- islandsLand surrounded by water
Pacific · conservation · ecotourism · biodiversity · finches · tortoises · national park · UNESCO
Sudden forceful nasal expulsion
- salt crystalsCrystallized sodium chloride
- osmoregulationMaintaining internal solute balance
- seawaterSalty ocean fluid
- desalinationExtracting salt from seawater
Primitive aquatic photosynthesizers
Four-legged scaled reptile
- ectothermOrganism heated externally
- cold-bloodedUnfeeling or externally heated
- saurianLizard or lizard-like
- herpetologyStudy of reptiles, amphibians
squamate · thermoregulation · basking · sunning · metabolic rate
Originating from a place
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- uniqueOnly one exists
- indigenousOriginating in a region
- specializedAdapted for particular function
Entering water deliberately
- underwaterBelow the surface
- flippersFoot-worn swim aids
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- breath-holdingDeliberate respiratory cessation
black
Darkest possible hue
Darwin
British naturalist, species theorist
- archipelagoChain of scattered islands
- evolutionSpecies changing over generations
- volcanicOf fiery mountain origin
islands · Pacific · conservation · ecotourism · biodiversity · finches · tortoises · national park · UNESCO · Isabela
sneezing
Sudden forceful nasal expulsion
- salt crystalsCrystallized sodium chloride
- osmoregulationMaintaining internal solute balance
- seawaterSalty ocean fluid
algae
Primitive aquatic photosynthesizers
red algae · green algae · intertidal · subtidal · specialized diet
lizard
Four-legged scaled reptile
- ectothermOrganism heated externally
- cold-bloodedUnfeeling or externally heated
- saurianLizard or lizard-like
herpetology · squamate · thermoregulation · basking · sunning · metabolic rate
native
Originating from a place
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- uniqueOnly one exists
- indigenousOriginating in a region
specialized · isolated · evolutionary adaptation · biogeography · insular
diving
Entering water deliberately
- underwaterBelow the surface
- flippersFoot-worn swim aids
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
breath-holding · seafloor · ocean currents · buoyancy · paddling
- reptileslizard, snake, turtle, crocodile, alligator
- island wildlifeDarwin's finches, Galapagos tortoise, giant tortoise, giant tortoises, kakapo
- lizardslizard, lizards, gecko, geckos, chameleon
- South American wildlifejaguar, anaconda, capybara, llama, alpaca
- EcuadorQuito, Guayaquil, Galapagos, Andes, Amazon region
- Galapagosgiant tortoises, Galapagos tortoise, giant tortoise, Darwin, Darwin's finches
marine iguanagreen iguana
Large tropical American lizard
chuckwalla · invasive species · house gecko · American alligator
marine, submarine, maritime, marinate, iguana, mariner, marinade, aquamarine, marines