Marine iguanas' secret to feeding deep underwater in only 30 minutes
With dark skin that rapidly absorbs heat, strong limbs for gripping slippery surfaces, and specialised salt glands that expel excess salt through their noses, marine iguanas are perfectly suited for aquatic life. Their ability to dive deep, slow their heart rate, and feed on algae highlights their extraordinary evolutionary journey and survival strategy in a remote ecosystem.
How marine iguanas manage to find food in just 30 minutes underwater
Marine iguanas face a remarkable challenge: they have only about 30 minutes to locate and feed on algae beneath the ocean's surface.
These incredible reptiles primarily consume red and green algae that grow on volcanic rocks both above and below the waterline. Larger male iguanas can dive deeper and stay submerged for up to 30 minutes, while smaller females and juveniles tend to forage in the safer, shallower intertidal zones for shorter periods.
This strict time limit is crucial because marine iguanas rely on conserving oxygen during their underwater excursions.
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To achieve this, they undergo a significant reduction in heart rate, dropping from around 40 beats per minute to as low as 10 beats per minute. This slowdown allows them to stretch their oxygen supply and maximise their feeding time underwater.
By combining these physiological adaptations with skilful swimming and sharp foraging techniques, marine iguanas efficiently harvest the nutrient-rich algae they need to survive in their harsh, volcanic habitat.
Evolutionary and physical adaptations of marine iguana
Host of refined adaptations empower the marine iguana's lifestyle:
Dark skin absorbs solar heat rapidly after cold dives.
Dense, osteosclerotic bones act as ballast, aiding submersion.
Flattened tails and robust limbs enhance underwater propulsion and gripping capabilities.
Blunt, tricuspid teeth effectively scrape algae from rocks, while salt glands expel excess ocean salt via 'sneezing'
Survival through environmental change
During food scarcity, particularly El Niño events, marine iguanas display the rare ability to shrink by up to 20% in length and body mass, reducing their energy needs until conditions improve. Additionally, hybridisation and speciation across populations help maintain genetic adaptability in a rapidly changing environment
Social behaviour, reproduction, and lifespan
Often found basking in sizable colonies, marine iguanas nest in sandy burrows ranging from deep volcanic ash. Females typically lay between one to six eggs annually, depending on resource availability. Life expectancy can range from 10–12 years, extending up to 60 years for some individuals in favourable conditions
Conservation challenge
Classified as Vulnerable, marine iguanas face significant threats from invasive species, human disturbance, and climate fluctuations that disrupt algae growth. Conservation work across the Galápagos continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding their future
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