Iguana's Anatomy

Reptiles conquered the terrestrial environment, after acquiring internal fertilization and the ability to avoid dehydration. The reptile group covers all habitats except the Polar regions and is divided into four orders: Chelonian, which includes turtles, terrapins and tortoises; Crocodilla, comprising alligators and crocodiles; Rhincocephalia corresponding to tuatara and Squamata represented by two suborders: Ophidia and Lacertilia. There are about 3300 species of lizards. They inhabit different environments, such as swamps, deserts, beaches, mountains and they have arboreal or diggers habits. Moreover, they are insectivorous or herbivorous. Lizards may be oviparous, but some species are ovoviviparous. It has been estimate that Brazil has 15-20% of all wild animals on planet and the largest number of endemic species (CUBAS et al., 2007). Iguana iguana is an animal that may reach up to 110 centimeters in length. The crest of spines is characteristic of the animal and runs the whole length of the back of the neck from the jowls to the tail. The animals live in the Amazon, Cerrado and Caatinga, from Mexico to Central Brazil.