Close-up of a marine iguana's back
Pigeon feathers
Iridescent parrotfish scales
Close-up of albatross wings
Close-up of fish fin
Close-up of pheasant feathers
Close-up of wedge-tailed eagle's feathers
Sparrow feathers
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Marine Iguana
Scales help protect this lizard from harsh weather and predators. The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is unique to the Galápagos Islands. Despite its scaly shield, the species is still considered vulnerable to extinction because of non-native rats, feral cats, and dogs that feed on iguana eggs and young.
Photograph by Gina Martin, National Geographic

Patterns in Nature: Scales and Feathers

See photos of scales and feathers, from National Geographic.

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