Mindy Young, age 14, of Shreveport, La., for her question:

IS THE IGUANA A LIZARD?

The iguana is a lizard that can be found in warm sections of both the Western and Eastern hemispheres. The common iguana of tropical America is green in color and can reach a length of six and half feet.

One of the most famous types in the family is the marine iguana that is found only in the Galapagos Islands. This is the only lizard that feeds on seaweed in the sea.

A comb like crest of scales runs down the back of the common iguana. It also has a large piece of lose skin hanging from its throat. Often you'll find it in limbs of bushes and trees that extend out over rivers or ponds. It often drops from great heights into the water and proves that it is indeed an excellent swimmer.

The zebra tailed lizard is an iguana that is found in the southwestern part of the United States and in northern Mexico. This family member is only six inches in length.

Iguanas have five toes on each foot, each with a sharp claw. They have long and powerful tails, large external eardrums and heavy eyelids.