Facts About the Marine Iguana
INTRODUCTION
Marine iguanas live on the Galapagos Islands off of the coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. They are the only lizards in the world that live in a marine habitat. Their population is spread over ten separate islands in this area. The size and color of these iguanas varies across these islands, but all marine iguanas are considered the same species.
This iguana’s closest ancestors are land iguanas and research suggests that marine iguanas were originally land iguanas that have adapted to marine habitats. The adaptations that allow them to live as marina animals include flattened tails and strong arms and legs to help them swim.