Iguanas' Amazing Trip: How They Got to Fiji on a Plant Raft.
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Scientists wanted to know how iguanas got to Fiji. Fiji is very far away from where most iguanas live now. Most iguanas are in the Americas, and Fiji is in the South Pacific.
One idea was that iguanas walked there a long time ago. They may have gone through Asia or Australia before Fiji moved. But new research says they floated there on plants.
The iguanas traveled about 5,000 miles on floating plants. This is the longest trip for a land animal on the ocean. Scientists already knew iguanas traveled to other islands this way.
Scientists looked at the genes of iguanas from different places. They found that Fiji iguanas are like desert iguanas from North America. The two groups of iguanas separated about 31 million years ago.
The scientists made a model that showed iguanas floated from North America to Fiji. One expert said this is the best explanation. Understanding where iguanas came from can help protect them today because some types are in danger.
Questions
How did scientists think iguanas got to Fiji?
Scientists thought iguanas may have walked to Fiji a long time ago.
What new idea do scientists have about how iguanas reached Fiji?
New research says iguanas floated to Fiji on plants.
Why is it important to understand where iguanas came from?
Understanding where iguanas came from can help protect them today because some types are in danger.
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