Iguana Anatomy
This part of the green iguana is used for balance and defense.
Tail
Green iguanas are cold-blooded, meaning they rely on this behavior to regulate their body temperature.
Basking in the Sun
The green iguana is native to this region.
Central and South America
The green iguana primarily feeds on these types of plants.
leaves, flowers, and fruit
Green iguanas help control this in their environment.
plant populations by eating leaves and fruit
Green iguanas have these on their feet to help them climb.
Sticky Toe Pads
The green iguana's long tail serves to protect them in this way.
defense against predators by whipping it
The green iguana prefers to live in this type of environment.
tropical, wooded, or forested environment near water
Green iguanas are this type of feeder.
herbivore
These creatures are an important part of the diet for many animals, including birds and large snakes.
green iguanas (they are prey for other species)
This feature of the green iguana is used for breathing and controlling temperature
nostrils at the tip of the snout
This adaptation allows green iguanas to climb high places with ease.
Strong Claws
Green iguanas are excellent at climbing, and they often do so to avoid this
ground-based predators
This behavior helps green iguanas avoid predators by hiding high in trees.
basking and staying still to camouflage
Green iguanas contribute to this by spreading seeds from the fruits they eat.
seed dispersal
Green iguanas have this long structure on top of their heads, which is used for thermoregulation
dewlap (a flap of skin)
The green iguana has an adaptation in its skin that helps it retain water.
scales
In their natural habitat, green iguanas are commonly found near these water sources.
rivers, streams, and lakes
Green iguanas can often be seen doing this to mark territory or to attract mates.
extending their dewlap
If green iguanas were removed from their ecosystem, this might happen to local plant life.
overgrowth of certain plants, possibly leading to a shift in the plant community
This structure on the green iguana’s head is used for communication during mating displays or to signal dominance.
dewlap
Green iguanas have a special adaptation in their vision that allows them to detect movement from great distances, which helps them avoid predators. What is this adaptation?
parietal eye
Green iguanas are semi-arboreal, meaning they live both in trees and on the ground. What is the primary reason they prefer trees in their environment?
escape predators and to find food more easily, as trees provide both shelter and access to fruits and leaves.
Green iguanas are known to be very territorial during the breeding season. What is a key behavior they use to defend their territory from other males?
head bobbing and dewlaps extension to display dominance
Green iguanas are often considered keystone species in their ecosystem. How would the removal of green iguanas impact their environment?
disruption of seed dispersal, leading to changes in plant growth, and potentially overpopulation of certain plant species, which could alter the balance of the entire ecosystem