Conolophus

/ˌkɒnəˈlɒfəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of large marine iguanas found in the Galápagos Islands, characterized by their cone-shaped crests.

Etymology

From Greek kōnos (cone) + lóphus (crest). The genus name literally describes these iguanas' distinctive cone-shaped crests on their heads, which are especially prominent in males.

Kelly Says

Galápagos marine iguanas (Conolophus) are the only sea-dwelling lizards on Earth, and Darwin's specimens of them helped inspire his theory of evolution—they're absolutely ancient lineage creatures!

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