How iguanas can stay underwater for 28 minutes
But how do they do it?
There are a few reasons why iguanas are able to stay underwater for so long. One reason is that they have a very efficient respiratory system. When they dive, their heart rate slows down and their metabolism decreases, which helps to conserve oxygen.
They also have a special gland that allows them to excrete excess salt from their bodies, which is important because saltwater can be dehydrating and toxic.
Another reason why iguanas can stay underwater for so long is that they have a number of physical adaptations that help them to dive. For example, their nostrils can close tightly to prevent water from entering their lungs.
They also have a long tail that they use to propel themselves through the water, and their bodies are streamlined to reduce drag.
In addition, iguanas are also able to hold their breath for long periods of time. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including their slowed heart rate and metabolism, their ability to conserve oxygen, and their physical adaptations.
Iguanas use their ability to stay underwater to feed on algae and other marine plants.
They are an important part of the marine ecosystem and help to keep the algae populations in check.
Detailed Allow iguanas to stay underwater
Here is a more detailed look at the physiological and physical adaptations that allow iguanas to stay underwater for so long:
Respiratory system:
Iguanas have a very efficient respiratory system. Their lungs are large and have a large surface area, which allows them to absorb more oxygen. They also have a special gland in their lungs called the rete mirabile. The rete mirabile helps to conserve oxygen by transferring oxygen from the blood in the arteries to the blood in the veins.
Cardiovascular system:
Iguanas have a very slow heart rate when they dive. This helps to conserve oxygen. Their heart rate can drop from around 120 beats per minute to as low as 10 beats per minute.
Metabolism:
Iguanas also have a very low metabolism when they dive. This helps to conserve energy and oxygen. Their metabolism can slow down by up to 90%.
Salt excretion gland:
Marine iguanas have a special gland in their noses called the salt gland. The salt gland allows them to excrete excess salt from their bodies. This is important because saltwater can be dehydrating and toxic. The salt gland works by filtering the blood and removing the excess salt. The salt is then excreted through the nostrils.
Physical adaptations:
Iguanas have a number of physical adaptations that help them to dive. For example, their nostrils can close tightly to prevent water from entering their lungs. They also have a long tail that they use to propel themselves through the water. Their bodies are also streamlined to reduce drag.
How iguanas use their underwater abilities
Iguanas use their ability to stay underwater to feed on algae and other marine plants. They typically dive to depths of around 20 feet, but they can dive as deep as 60 feet. Iguanas use their long tail to propel themselves through the water and to steer. They also use their claws to grip the rocks and algae.
When iguanas dive, they typically stay underwater for a few minutes at a time. However, they can stay underwater for up to 28 minutes if necessary. Iguanas typically surface to breathe every few minutes, but they can also hold their breath for up to 40 minutes.
Iguanas are an important part of the marine ecosystem. They help to keep the algae populations in check. Algae can overgrow and block out sunlight, which can harm other marine life. Iguanas also help to disperse algae spores, which helps to spread algae to new areas.
Conclusion
Iguanas are amazing creatures with a number of unique adaptations. Their ability to stay underwater for long periods of time is one of their most impressive abilities. This ability allows them to feed on algae and other marine plants, which helps to keep the marine ecosystem healthy.
