History
Scientists figure that land-dwelling iguanas from South America must have drifted out to sea millions of years ago on logs or other debris, eventually landing on the Galápagos. From that species emerged marine iguanas, which spread to nearly all the islands of the archipelago. Each island hosts marine iguanas of unique size, shape and color. Over time, these iguanas adapted to their new environment and became very good swimmers.
Charles Darwin discovered the marine iguana in 1835, and described them as "disgusting, clumsy lizards." Darwin named them marine iguana because of their exceptional swimming ability and their relation to the already known green iguana.
Charles Darwin discovered the marine iguana in 1835, and described them as "disgusting, clumsy lizards." Darwin named them marine iguana because of their exceptional swimming ability and their relation to the already known green iguana.