REPTILES I79 



about the rocks, its stout claws making it possible to 

 maintain its foothold even when huge waves break over it, 

 creating a backwash that would dislodge the average man. 

 Although obliged to seek its food — a species of sea lettuce — 





Sea Iguana 



on the sea-bed just beyond the breakers, this lizard prefers 

 to spend most of its time basking on the rocks, a preference 

 which has been suggested by Darwin may be explained 

 by the fact that in the water the lizard has good reason 

 to dread the numerous sharks. When picked up by the 

 tail it never attempts to bite, but when very frightened 



