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 .
Why is it important to preserve the Galapagos Islands?
The Importance of Galapagos Conservation
The Galapagos Islands are special because the wildlife and ecosystems that exist there are unique . Many species are endemic. This means that if threats to these are not kept in check, the wildlife could be put at risk and ultimately could become extinct.
How much of the Galapagos Islands are protected?
In 1959, the Ecuadorian State recognized the very high ecological value of the Galapagos Islands and issued the executive decree N-17, through which this part of the Ecuadorian territory is protected, declaring 97% of the land surface as a National Park.
Why are the Galapagos Islands important to natural selection?
In Charles Darwin's day, the Galápagos Islands were perhaps the best place in the world to observe evidence of evolution by natural selection . ... With no place else to go, the Galápagos' denizens adapted to conditions unique to their new homes. Consider, for example, a tale of two tortoises.
Why is it important to limit tourism and protect the Galapagos Islands?
“The Galapagos are the crown jewel, and as such, we have to protect them,” says tourism minister Enrique Ponce de Leon. ... The flow of tourists has risen to 245,000 per year and authorities say that is pretty much the limit: the maximum the islands can withstand without harming their various ecosystems .
How can we save the Galapagos penguin?
Adopt a Penguin . Make a symbolic penguin adoption to help save some of the world's most endangered animals from extinction and support WWF's conservation efforts.
Why is the Galapagos Islands a true ecological treasure?
The Galapagos Islands are an ecological treasure because of the endemic species they contain . On the Galapagos Islands inhabit species which can't be found anywhere else in the world. Because of its uniqueness, the Galapagos Islands where declared World Natural Heritage site by the UNESCO, on 1979.
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 are the Galapagos Islands in danger?
The Galapagos Islands, which have been called a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution” were inscribed on the Danger List in 2007 because of threats posed by invasive species, unbridled tourism and overfishing .
What is special about Galapagos island?
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.
Where does survival of the fittest come from?
Spencer introduced the phrase in his 1864 book, Principles of Biology , where he saw parallels between his conservative ideas about economics and what Darwin had written about the natural world: “This survival of the fittest, which I have here sought to express in mechanical terms, is that which Mr.
What is Galapagos famous for?
Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador lies the Galápagos Archipelago: a world unto itself, forged of lava and isolated for thousands of years. The islands are known for their famously fearless wildlife and as a source of inspiration for Darwin's theory of evolution .
What was Lamarck's hypothesis?
Hypothesis of Acquired Characteristics In 1809, Jean Baptiste de Lamarck proposed a hypothesis to explain how species change over time . He suggested that characteristics, or traits, developed during a parent organism's lifetime are inher- ited by its offspring.
What are the impacts of ecotourism in the Galapagos Islands?
The major cause for negative environmental impacts on the islands stems from the growing population due to the ecotourism industry. The increase in population has brought growth in infrastructure, resource usage, and pollution.
Is tourism good for the Galapagos?
Tourism has, for many years, been an important contributor to the Ecuadorean economy , and one of the main sources of employment for the Galapagos Islanders. Nowadays, over 200,000 visitors travel to the islands each year. 75,000 of them will enter the National Park, which comprises 97% of the land surface of Galapagos.
What can we do to protect the Galapagos Islands?
- Galapagos Tortoise Conservation.
- Galapagos Penguin Conservation. ...
- Galapagos Marine Conservation. ...
- Control of Invasive Species at Galapagos. ...
- Prevention of New Invasive Species. ...
- Responsible Fishing. ...
- Plastic Trash & Recycling.
