Iguanas’ Epic Journey: 5,000 Miles to Fiji
A groundbreaking study reveals that iguanas made an astonishing 5,000-mile journey from North America to Fiji approximately 34 million years ago. This remarkable transoceanic migration, the longest known for a terrestrial species, likely occurred shortly after the formation of Fiji’s islands. Researchers propose that extreme weather events, such as cyclones, may have uprooted trees, allowing iguanas to traverse the Pacific on floating vegetation.
Genetic Evidence Links Iguanas to North America
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has unveiled a surprising genetic connection between Fiji’s iguanas and species from North America. Simon Scarpetta, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at the University of San Francisco, emphasized that the findings support the theory of a direct migration from the West Coast of the United States to Fiji. This new evidence challenges previous assumptions that the reptiles may have arrived via Antarctica or Australia. Jimmy McGuire, a Professor of Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, noted that alternative migration theories did not align with the geological timeline. He highlighted that iguanas likely reached Fiji shortly after land became available in the region, reinforcing the idea of a direct journey across the Pacific.
Survival Adaptations During Migration
The research involved the analysis of over 200 museum specimens, revealing that Fijian iguanas belong to the Brachylophus genus, which is closely related to the Diposaurus genus, known for desert iguanas in North America. Scarpetta explained that these lizards possess remarkable resistance to starvation and dehydration, traits that may have significantly enhanced their chances of surviving the arduous journey. The timeline of their migration aligns with the geological formation of Fiji’s islands, suggesting that once land emerged, the iguanas successfully established themselves. This extraordinary journey underscores the resilience and adaptability of these reptiles as they navigated the vast Pacific Ocean.
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