Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador lie the volcanic islands of the Galápagos, famous for a wealth of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The Galápagos Islands were the source of Darwin’s theory of evolution and remain a priceless living laboratory for scientists today.
Why is the Galapagos Islands 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 the Galapagos Islands important to natural selection?
With no place else to go, the Galápagos’ denizens adapted to conditions unique to their new homes. ... Their research has shown that natural selection is frequently at work in the Galápagos: After a drought, finches with larger beaks were able to eat tough seeds and survive ; their offspring became predominant.
Why are the Galapagos Islands important to history?
In the 450 years of human history, the islands have been used as prison colonies , naval ports and research stations. Come with us and discover an undiscovered land in the geology of the Galapagos Islands, a unique spot of the earth with an environment nearly untouched by man.
Why is it important to protect the Galapagos Islands?
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.
Why are Galapagos animals so unique?
Marine life in the Galapagos is unlike anywhere else in the world, since 20% of marine species found there are endemic to the Galapagos. Among the marine mammals living in the Galapagos Islands, sea lions stand out for many visitors due to their curious and active nature.
Do humans live on Galapagos?
Where do people live in Galapagos and how is the population growing? Only four of the archipelago’s thirteen major islands have human populations : Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana.
Are the Galapagos Islands safe?
The Galapagos is an extremely safe travel destination . very little crime occurs in the islands and because tourism plays an important role in the economy of the islands and the Galapagos National Park, strict rules are in place when it comes to migrating to the islands.
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.
What are some interesting facts about the Galapagos Islands?
- 97 % of the Galapagos is a national park. ...
- Galapagos has active volcanos. ...
- The number of islands is up for debate. ...
- Three varieties of colorful boobies (seabirds) ...
- Penguins in the Northern Hemisphere?!? ...
- Marine iguanas are excellent swimmers. ...
- Any time is a great time to visit.
What country are the Galapagos Islands part of?
Galapagos Islands, Spanish Islas Galápagos, officially Archipiélago de Colón (“Columbus Archipelago”), island group of the eastern Pacific Ocean, administratively a province of Ecuador .
Who found Galapagos?
In 1535, the Islands were officially discovered by Fray Tomás de Berlanga (the Bishop of Panama at the time). He was ordered to sail to Peru by Charles V to provide a report on activities there. He set sail from Panama on 23 February 1535. The strong ocean current carried him out to the Galapagos Islands.
Why are the Galapagos Islands at risk?
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.
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.
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 . The Committee found that significant progress had been made by Ecuador in addressing these problems.
