Marine Iguanas are the only underwater lizard other than crocs. They are found off the coast of the Galapagos. They have extremely sharp claws and teeth for eating the algae on rocks. They are classified as vulnerable because their eggs are being eaten by Pigs, Dogs, Cats, etc. They are about 2 1/2 ft long and are herbivores. Good thing they don't eat meat or they'd probably would have been shot off! The Ecuadorian government protects them from being harmed and they estimate over 50,000 live on that island! Scientists know that they got on the Galapagos from rafting. They evolved around 8 MYA. It spends only a little in the cold water and then goes to the shore to warm up. A nasal gland filters its blood for excess salt ingested while eating, which is expelled through the nostrils, often leaving white patches of salt on its face. It is really cool. Fighting happens in the breeding season, they may fight but they are harmless to humans.
-Jack
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