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Post by crazymonkey21 on Apr 14, 2004 12:31:30 GMT -8
I took Grotto on his first "educational outting" this past Saturday. The weather was nice and they were having a huge easter egg hunt up at my work so I thought itd be a good chance to see how he did. Everything went great, everyone LOVED him! I got many people that were scared of him to eventually pet him and see that iguanas arent savage beasts like some people think! He only lasted about 10 minutes at a time before he got frustrated that I wouldnt let him off me and decided to do a death roll (him, not me!!!). Boy is my arm scratched up. Its all good thou. We both had fun. He was enjoying all the attention! He loves to be pet! The monkeys werent too crazy about him, we dont have any reptiles at the moment (at the zoo) and most of them havent seen anything like that! But the point of this whole post.. I got asked some questions that I think I answered right but just wanted to double check. Im pretty educated on my animals but wanted to make sure I was answering them right, here they are What purpose do the spikes serve? I said they arent really used as a weapon like most would think, they are kinda bendable but they do help make the iguana look bigger, more intimidating.
Eh! Im drawing a blank! i know there were more but I cant remember! DOH! Ill come back if I think of it!!! But if anyone has any neat little facts I could use...
Jess
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Post by prism_wolf on Apr 14, 2004 18:02:41 GMT -8
As far as I know there is no real proof of what the spikes are for (though I could be wrong). It certainly can serve as a way of making an ig look bigger, but not all igs have spikes of any significance.
There's also a some evidence the last I heard or read that it helps to thermoregulate. These are one of the first things to get warm and start the circulatory process. Being such a small area they warm up very quickly allowing for a faster initial warm up boost.
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Apr 15, 2004 20:31:22 GMT -8
I don't think there's anything wrong with not knowing the answers to every question. We are definately responsible to accurately answers regarding care, though.
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Post by prism_wolf on Apr 19, 2004 15:48:37 GMT -8
You're right Steph, there's nothing wrong with it, but it sure makes me crazy when I come across a question I can't answer...lol.
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Post by Tesa on Apr 19, 2004 17:05:40 GMT -8
lol Veronica! I know the feeling.....and get myself into all kinds of mischief trying to FIND the answer. ;D
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Post by dominick on Apr 19, 2004 19:22:05 GMT -8
I'm searching high and low for the answer to this. There has to be an evolutionary reason for them. Mother nature doesn't usually just stick things on animals for the fun of it.
Will advise.
Update: 4-23-04---Dateline---Iguana Zone: Dominick has done some very unscientific research and has written a small essay on the Spikes located in Iguana Anatomy>What Do those spikes do? section. Please take a look and tell me what you think.
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Apr 19, 2004 20:43:50 GMT -8
As a creationist, I tell the kids that I guess that's how God made them.
I know, I know... it's not scientific. But not everything in our world is explainable.
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Post by Dudley on Apr 19, 2004 21:42:45 GMT -8
There's also a some evidence the last I heard or read that it helps to thermoregulate. These are one of the first things to get warm and start the circulatory process. Being such a small area they warm up very quickly allowing for a faster initial warm up boost. Though I don't know much about these lizards yet, I tend to lean towards this theory. In the Permian period, there was a type of Pelycosaur called "Dimetrodon". This animal had a large sail on its back which was believed to have been used for thermoregulation as well has dominance rituals. If you take away the sail filled with blood vessels and tissues, then you have spikes sprouting from each individual vertebrae in that animals spine. I'm not sure if this is the way it is, but it makes sense, as does the creationist theory, since I lean both ways on issues such as this. Clint
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Post by Tesa on Apr 20, 2004 3:15:29 GMT -8
Steph, I tell kids the exact same thing!! but, sometimes their questions become mine. I too am a creationist, but I think that evolution does have a role in the creation of God's creatures. I tend to think their spikes are a combination of thermo and dispay purposes and possibly some defense as well.
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Post by Merlin on Apr 20, 2004 7:27:27 GMT -8
I go along with the thermoregulation use. Sort of like their own personal radiator. And as far as I am concerned evolution and creationism do not have to exclude each other. But THATS a whole other discussion!
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Post by joseph2 on Apr 24, 2004 10:39:35 GMT -8
They also theorize that the sail on Spinosaurus and the plates on the back of Stegasaurus did the same. I have an animal anatomy and physiology class this Tuesday and I'll ask the instructor if he has any clues. His specialty is more equine and larger mammals, but he does have some herp background. It does make you wonder, doesn't it?
Joe
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Post by dominick on Apr 24, 2004 10:48:01 GMT -8
Hi Joe-
I really look forward to what you find out!
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Post by joseph2 on Apr 27, 2004 8:12:16 GMT -8
Okay Dom, I asked the instructor. They are unknown to exactly what purpose dorsal spikes serve. Yes, thermoregulation is one theory, but so is sexual display. An iguana puffing itself to look bigger to predators is also another theory. It could be any of those three or a combination of. One more theory is that these spikes are a revolutionary remnant that serve absolutely no purpose at all. So, take your pick. Personally I believe the spikes serve as a three-way function as heat conductor, sexual display, and an enlargening process. Sorry that's all I could find out, but that's the gist of it.
Joe
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Post by mar on Apr 27, 2004 8:27:07 GMT -8
I also buy into the two (or three) way idea of thermoregulation and to make them look bigger.
I don't think they are directly a protective measure though. If the spikes were used as a deterrent from predators -- like a stickle back minnow or the barbs on a catfish-- why would they have nerves and blood vessels running through them? First it will hurt when someone chomps down one the spike then you leave a blood trail during the escape.
Is the same true with the dew lap? Males certainly use this to look much bigger especially while bobbing but if you look through it at a light source you can see a lot of blood vessels. I know that Bob is feeling cool when he darkens a little and extends his dew lap (most of the way, not tightly like he does when territorial).
Mark
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Apr 28, 2004 0:11:17 GMT -8
OK, here's another thought to toss in this mix.
Could the spines contribute to the storage of water? Many of you have heard that when an ig's spines are "drooping" or laying over that it's a sign of dehydration.
How does that factor into this equation?
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