the iguanas can store heat as well as being able to warm themselves quickly by sunning. To avoid over-heating, the lizards are often seen switching their direction toward the sun and lifting themselves above the ground to allow air to circulate (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). Development/Maturation: Juveniles are smaller versions of adult iguanas and can be recognized by their darker colorations (almost completely black) as well as their smaller size of about ten centimeters (Figure 1.11). males are larger and more brightly and distinctly “The colored than the females” (Fitter, Fitter and Hosking, 2000). Full-grown adults are usually three feet in length but can be as long as four feet because the size of adult of iguanas varies (Darwin, 2001). After becoming full-grown, the lizards reach sexual maturity at 5-6 years of age. The lifespan of a marine iguana is 25-30 years (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). Mating: These generally nonaggressive lizards become territorial during the mating season (February) because males want to protect their group of females (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). Males create a territory (approximately 100 square feet) and will drag females back if they try to leave. During this season, makes become redder in color and often a green color is also present on the back, forelegs and hind legs (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). This type of sexual selection allows the female marine iguana to choose her mate best on the best male colors. Typically, the more red on the male, the more likely a female thinks that male is worth reproducing with. The male iguana will also lift its head up and down, like shaking his head in a motion during mating season to attract a female for mating. After “yes” mating, females need sandy beaches for nesting and compete for space so they can lay their eggs. females excavates a nest in the sand, a burrow up to one meter long, then lays a clutch of “The
the iguanas can store heat as well as being able to warm themselves quickly by sunning. To avoid over-heating, the lizards are often seen switching their direction toward the sun and lifting themselves above the ground to allow air to circulate (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). Development/Maturation: Juveniles are smaller versions of adult iguanas and can be recognized by their darker colorations (almost completely black) as well as their smaller size of about ten centimeters (Figure 1.11). “The males are larger and more brightly and distinctly colored than the females” (Fitter, Fitter and Hosking, 2000). Full-grown adults are usually three feet in length but can be as long as four feet because the size of adult of iguanas varies (Darwin, 2001). After becoming full-grown, the lizards reach sexual maturity at 5-6 years of age. The lifespan of a marine iguana is 25-30 years (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). Mating: These generally nonaggressive lizards become territorial during the mating season (February) because males want to protect their group of females (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). Males create a territory (approximately 100 square feet) and will drag females back if they try to leave. During this season, makes become redder in color and often a green color is also present on the back, forelegs and hind legs (Saa, personal communications, August 18, 2009). This type of sexual selection allows the female marine iguana to choose her mate best on the best male colors. Typically, the more red on the male, the more likely a female thinks that male is worth reproducing with. The male iguana will also lift its head up and down, like shaking his head in a “yes” motion during mating season to attract a female for mating. After mating, females need sandy beaches for nesting and compete for space so they can lay their eggs. “The females excavates a nest in the sand, a burrow up to one meter long, then lays a clutch of