When people find Galapagos marine iguanas covering the lava fields of Fernandina Island, they often comment about their resemblance to prehistoric creatures. And they, in fact, are prehistoric, like most if not all species of reptiles on earth. History began when humans invented writing, and that happened only about 8,000 years ago. This means, geologically speaking, yesterday. Everything before that time is prehistory; therefore, all the living organisms on the globe are prehistoric.

There are some species which existed in prehistoric times and today are extinct, because of either our influence or natural events. We can agree that iguanas have a "Mesozoic" look. With sharp claws to cling to the rocks, with big crests and dark scales they look like inhabitants of our planet from 200 million years ago. But they actually belong to a modern group. Scientists believed they evolved only 15 million years ago. Relatively new on our planet, but with an ancient look, marine iguanas are the favorite of many visitors to Galapagos.

Today was an important day in their life cycle. We found the first males in breeding colors, such as the one shown in this picture. With territorial behavior and dressed in reddish brown, they are beginning to show courtship displays. Soon we'll be able to see them mating and nesting. Life continues after the stresses of the last "El Nino." A new cycle, for a young species on earth that has a very old appearance.