Iguana: Difference between revisions
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The word "Iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original [[Taino]] name for the species "Iwana". |
The word "Iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original [[Taino]] name for the species "Iwana". |
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==Physical Characteristics== |
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Although all [[iguana]] species tend to look alike, they come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and behaviors. An [[iguana]] looks like a very generic lizard, except for they all have a dewlap, spines going down their back to their tail, and a third eye on their head. This eye is known as the [[Parietal Eye]], which looks just like a pale scale on the top of their head. |
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There are roughly 40 recorded species of iguana, of which 12 are endangered. The most common [[iguana]] is the [[Green Iguana]], which lives high in the trees of jungles. However the [[Blue Iguana]] lives only on the island of [[Grand Cayman]]. |
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Revision as of 20:38, 9 January 2008
| Iguana | |
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| A green iguana (Iguana iguana) | |
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| Genus: | Iguana Laurenti, 1768
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Iguana is a genus of lizard native to tropical areas of Central and South America and the Caribbean first described by Austrian naturalist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in his book Specimen Medicum, Exhibens Synopsin Reptilium Emendatam cum Experimentis circa Venena in 1768. The genus iguana includes two species: the Green Iguana and the Lesser Antillean Iguana.
The word "Iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original Taino name for the species "Iwana".
References
- ^ Coles, William (2002), "Green Iguana" (PDF), U.S.V.I. Animal Fact Sheet #08, Department of Planning and Natural Resources US Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife
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