The Galapagos are special because they have never been connected to the mainland . Marine iguanas at Tortuga Bay. The flora and fauna that reached the islands’ shores – before the intervention of Man at any rate – had to survive the hundreds of miles of the ocean first. ... The kings of Galapagos fauna are reptiles.
What makes the Galapagos Island so special?
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of islands, or archipelago, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are part of the country of Ecuador, in South America. ... The Galápagos are best known for their diverse array of plant and animal species . Many species are endemic, which means they are not found anywhere else in the world.
Why are animals in the Galápagos Islands Unique?
The Galapagos islands have a low biodiversity (that is, few animal species), because the islands are 600 miles (1000 km) from the continent. ... As a result, animals of the Galapagos Islands are species whose ancestors were already well suited for its harsh environments.
Why is the Galápagos Islands good for evolution?
The exotic locale, home to tortoises, cacti, iguanas and finches, was a source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution. In Charles Darwin’s day, the Galápagos Islands were perhaps the best place in the world to observe evidence of evolution by natural selection .
Why are the Galapagos so famous?
The islands are known for their famously fearless wildlife and as a source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution . And that’s just part of the story. Born of fire: The Galápagos Archipelago is one the most volcanically active areas in the world.
Is the Galapagos under threat?
The Galapagos Islands face many environmental threats . Ecosystem degradation could be caused by: climate change, deforestation, pollution, overfishing, eutrophication and the introduction of invasive species.
Why is the Galapagos protected?
The Galapagos Islands are a fragile environment, easily affected by weather phenomena and sudden changes in the world’s patterns that make us realize how all our actions are inextricably connected. To care about and protect the Galapagos means to care about and protect the world’s threatened environments and resources .
How many animals live in the Galapagos Islands?
Nearly 9,000 species are found on the islands and their surrounding waters, many of them endemic. The total land mass is almost 8,000km 2 ; the Galapagos Marine Reserve surrounding the archipelago is 138,000km 2 .
How did animals arrive on the Galapagos?
Swept up in ocean currents
However, many of the animals that live in the Galapagos Islands could not have arrived by swimming, such as the iguana. It is generally accepted that these animals were swept from land on rafts of vegetation as a result of flooding, for example, and then caught up in ocean currents.
Why are animals in the Galapagos not afraid of humans?
Wildlife on the Galapagos Islands, the Natural Treasures of Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, near the Equator. ... It is likely that due to the absence of predators on the islands , the animals of the Galapagos are not afraid of humans.
Why the Galapagos islands attract tourists?
What attracts tourists to Galapagos and where do they come from? Many visitors to the Galapagos Islands are attracted to the archipelago by its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes . ... An increasing number of tourists are learning to scuba dive in the pristine tropical waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
What are the most studied animals in the Galapagos?
- Galapagos Tortoises. The iconic tortoises are probably the most important species on the Galapagos Islands and the most famous. ...
- Marine Iguana. ...
- Galapagos Finches. ...
- Galapagos Penguin. ...
- Blue-Footed Booby. ...
- Galapagos Sealions. ...
- Magnificent Frigatebird. ...
- Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
Why were the Galapagos Islands so important to Darwin’s observations?
Why were the Galápagos Islands so important to Darwin’s observations? They had many different species that had adapted from the mainland animals . Their speciation throughout the islands showed him how adaptation helped evolve animals. ... The food available differed on the islands, so they had to adapt to survive.
Did Darwin go to Galapagos?
Charles Darwin was 22 years old when he visited the Galapagos Islands on September 1835 . An amateur geologist and had a very interesting curiosity on beetles. His social upbringing granted him a comfortable life and finally the chance of traveling with Captain Fitzroy, aboard the HMS Beagle.
What are the Galapagos Islands most famous for?
The Galapagos Islands are also famous for fantastic volcanic formations ; colored sand beaches, including the red beaches of Rabida and the green beaches of Floreana; and crystal-clear blue waters teeming with exotic marine life.
What two species of iguanas exist on the Galapagos?
The two species of land iguanas endemic to the Galapagos are the only two species of the genus Conolophus . They are among the most primitive members of the iguana family.
