How cold blood reacts to cold air

Florida's falling iguanas

Chapter 1

The frozen lizard phenomenon

Chapter 2

From tropical forests to Florida suburbs

Chapter 3

Weather alerts and backyard surprises

YOUR GOAL

Master of Florida's falling iguanas

Ch 1 · The frozen lizard phenomenon

Chilly Lizard Drop

BETA

dash Catch falling iguanas to learn how cold temperatures trigger Florida's strangest weather alert.

dash Falling Iguanas

Falling iguanas, falling iguanas! They freeze and drop right out of the trees!

dash The danger of the fall

The danger of the fall

dash Falling from tall trees poses physical risks but rarely kills the frozen iguanas.

Entering the state of torpor

dash Cold temperatures trigger a temporary state of suspended animation called torpor.

Fun Fact

Iguana holding breath: Green iguanas can hold their breath underwater for up to 30 minutes to escape predators.

Glossary

torpor (noun)
A state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, typically characterized by reduced body temperature and metabolic rate. Florida's invasive green iguanas enter this unresponsive state when winter temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gossip

If a frozen iguana fell on your lawn, what would you do?

Quiz

Are green iguanas usually dead when they fall from trees during a Florida cold snap?

dash Entering the state of torpor

Quiz

How do green iguanas recover from a cold-induced state of torpor?

dash The warm up and recovery

Quiz

What happens to a green iguana's heart rate during cold-induced torpor?

dash How cold blood reacts to cold air

Quiz

Where do green iguanas typically sleep, making them prone to falling during cold snaps?

Quiz

Which biological feature helps green iguanas survive falls from tall trees?

Quiz

How do green iguanas primarily regulate their body temperature?

Quiz

At what temperature do green iguanas typically start to freeze and lose their grip?

Quiz

What is the scientific term for the temporary state of suspended animation that cold-stunned iguanas enter?