Exploring the Journey of Iguanas to Fiji: Perspectives and Findings

Fijian iguanas are believed to have reached Fiji by rafting on vegetation or island hopping after the global flood, according to recent research. This perspective aligns with creationist views, proposing an adaptive journey rather than a lengthy evolutionary timeline.

Iguanas are primarily found in the Americas, but four species inhabit Fiji in the South Pacific. Researchers suggest these Fijian iguanas traveled approximately 5,000 miles across the ocean, likely through floating vegetation, also known as rafting, and possibly using ancient island chains. This explanation aligns with creation researchers’ long-held views, despite skepticism from secular perspectives.

After the flood described in Scripture, when the ark settled in Ararat, the ocean was likely filled with debris that allowed various organisms, including iguanas, to disperse. The floating mats of vegetation could have facilitated long-distance travel, while other species might have engaged in “island hopping” due to lowered ocean levels caused by the post-flood ice age.

God’s design imparted significant genetic diversity within iguanas, enabling them to adapt to different ecological environments. This adaptability explains how marine iguanas in the Galápagos thrive in saltwater, while green iguanas flourish in tropical forests across Central and South America, and even in invasive settings such as Florida and Hawaii.

Although researchers believe the movement of iguanas occurred through rafting, they differ on the timeline, asserting this event took place shortly after Noah’s flood, approximately 4,350 years ago, rather than millions of years ago. This topic was recently presented during the weekly Answers News program by hosts Dr. Tim Chaffey, Patricia Engler, and Avery Foley at the Creation Museum.

The phenomenon of Fijian iguanas reaching their current habitat has been debated within the evolutionary framework, and yet creation researchers express harmony with parts of the scientific consensus, challenging traditional timelines and perspectives. Individuals are encouraged to tune in every Monday for insights presented from a biblical viewpoint, covering science and cultural news.

The journey of Fijian iguanas has been examined through a genetic lens, suggesting that they arrived via vegetation mats or island hopping. Both researchers and creationists agree on the rafting concept but diverge on the timeline, positing the event occurred post-flood rather than millions of years ago. This discussion highlights the intersection of scientific inquiry and biblical interpretation.

Original Source: answersingenesis.org