Hybrid Iguana
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The Hybrid Iguana is a first generation hybrid, which is the result of interspecies breeding between a male Marine Iguana and a female Land Iguana on South Plaza Island in the Galápagos Islands where the territories of the two species overlap.

Characteristics

Marine Iguanas have sharp claws and are able to grip rock under seawater and eat seaweed, whereas land iguanas do not have sharp claws and are unable to climb on the cacti which are their staple foods. Due to decreased quantities of seaweed, marine iguanas seek food on the land and male marine iguanas rake over land Iguana’s colony which is formed by single male land iguanas and several females. Hybrid iguanas can be considered a genetic success, they have sharp claws and can climb on cacti and also eat seaweeds underwater. It is considered that the hybrid iguana can survive in both sea and land environment.^[1][2] Despite their long separation time and their being two distinct species from different genera, the offspring are viable, although likely sterile.^[3]

See also

• Hybrid (biology)

Footnotes

1. ^ Source: Commemorating special TV program titled "地球危機2008" (Global crisis 2008) by TV Asahi, on 50th anniversary, on Jan. 4, 2008.
2. ^ [1] TV Asahi program "素敵な宇宙船地球号" ("The earth", A Wonderful Vessel in the Universe) 2007 May 6
3. ^ Rassmann, Kornelia; Markmann, Melanie; Trillmich, Fritz & Tautz, Diethard (2004), Tracing the Evolution of the Galapagos Iguanas, California: University of California Press, pp. 71-83, ISBN 9780520238541 

External links

• 21-a Hybrid iguana - Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

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