Evolutionary Relationships of Genera in the Lizard Family Iguanidae

Authors

Bruce W. Christensen, Brigham Young University
Dr. Jack W. Sites, Brigham Young University

Keywords

evolutionary relationships, genera, herbivorous lizards, Iguanidae

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

The family Iguanidae contains eight living genera of large, herbivorous lizards that by virtue of their size occupy important ecological niches wherever they are found. They are important elements of the food web, both as seed dispersers and prey for other animals, including humans (1). Of ecological and evolutionary significance, the family also contains several island endemics, including iguanas in the Carribean and on the Tongan, Fijian, and Galapagos archipelagoes.

Recommended Citation

Christensen, Bruce W. and Sites, Dr. Jack W. (2014) "Evolutionary Relationships of Genera in the Lizard Family Iguanidae," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 923.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/923