Thoma167

=My Reflections on Ecuador=

The Organisms of the Galapagos
Let me share with you... I worked on a project featuring an organism from the Galapagos islands, an island chain off the coast of Ecuador. Two of my friends and I worked on the project together and chose the Lava Lizard. The Lava Lizard is an incredible creature. There is a YouTube video at the bottom featuring the Lava Lizard. Here is a short summary of the animal:

Appearance The Lava Lizard is can be from 5-6 inches long. They are often a greyish brownish color, with their head being red or grey. They can even by copper or gold. The male Lava Lizard is larger and more brightly colored.

Behavior The Lava Lizard will change color if the temperature rises or they feel threatened. Male Lava Lizards are especially territorial, staking out a prominent spot on a boulder and shaking their head up and down to indicate ownership. Interestingly, they have a lack of fear of humans.

Diet The Lava Lizard typically eats plants or insects, even resorting to cannibalism. (eating each other)



Habitat There are seven species of Lava Lizard, each of them spread all over the Galapagos Islands. It is possible that the islands were once joined, and the Lava Lizards were on one island once. They mostly live on rocks, claiming a rock for their own.

Fun Facts They are also known as Microlophus. There are around 20 species worldwide. They can do push-ups!

Here is a cool video. https://youtu.be/uBUyNkcY3jA