- Hybrid Iguana
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 onSouth Plaza Island in theGalápagos 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 lack sharp claws making them unable to climb on the very
cacti which are their staple foods. Due to decreased quantities of seaweed, Marine Iguanas will often seek food on the land, taking over the food source from the colonies of Land Iguanas.The Hybrid iguana can be considered a genetic success, they have sharp claws and can climb on cacti and also eat seaweed underwater. It is held that the hybrid iguana can survive in both sea and land environment. [Source: Commemorating special TV program titled "地球危機2008" (Global crisis 2008) by
TV Asahi , on 50th anniversary, on Jan. 4, 2008.] [ [http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/earth/midokoro/2007/20070506/index.html]TV Asahi program "素敵な宇宙船地球号" ("The earth", A Wonderful Vessel in the Universe) 2007 May 6] Despite their long separation time and their being two distinct species from different genera, the offspring are viable, although likely sterile.citation | last = Rassmann | first = Kornelia | last2 = Markmann | first2 = Melanie | last3= Trillmich | first3 = Fritz | last4 = Tautz | first4 = Diethard
title = Tracing the Evolution of the Galapagos Iguanas | work = Iguanas: Biology and Conservation | publisher = University of California Press | location = California | pages = 71-83 | date = 2004 | isbn = 9780520238541 ]See also
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Hybrid (biology) Footnotes
External links
* [http://www.travelpod.com/travel-photo/cookiechick6969/asia/1189442820/21-a.jpg/tpod.html 21-a Hybrid iguana - Galapagos Islands, Ecuador]
* [http://press.princeton.edu/birds/check/galapagos/hybrid.html Hybrid Iguana] ,Princeton University press
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