Trivia question for Jul-09-2011

Carter liked the versatility of these reptiles.  These are the only lizard fully adapted to marine life, being able to remain underwater for long periods.

These guys have also been found to change their size to adapt to varying food conditions. During El Niño conditions when the algae that they feed on was decreased for a period of two years, some were found to decrease their length by as much as 20%. When food conditions returned to normal, these guys returned to their pre-famine size. It is speculated that the bones of these reptiles actually shorten as a shrinkage of connective tissue could only account for a 10% length change.

So here are Carter’s questions: Tell us what kind of lizard this is and where they can be found.  Also, tell us what kind of animals which have been introduced to the natural range of these reptiles are posing a threat to these poor animals?

Good Luck 😉

Answer:

Congratulations to Tami Kannenberg from Bellingham, Washington for being the first with the correct answer. The large lizard we featured is the Marine Iguana. The Marine Iguana is an iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands that has the ability, unique among modern lizards, to live and forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile. The Iguana can dive over 30 ft into the water.

The introduction of dogs has been very damaging: they attack and kill young iguanas.  Introduced rats and pigs dig up eggs and devour them.  As a result, the marine iguana has become rare on some islands.  Here is more on these cool reptiles: Marine Iguana

Thanks for playing along 😉