Why galapagos islands are important

After years of isolation on the Galapagos, where small populations of a species must have existed, adaptations within that species would be more drastic as there was no large mainstream population to act as a buffer for variations.

Often, variations of an ancestor are apparent. The land iguanas of Santa Fe, distinct in their yellow color, like their cousins on other islands, have adapted to eat cactus, spines and all. Their second cousins, the marine iguanas, perhaps adapted to eat from the sea, avoiding the competition on land. The most famous example are the 13 species of Darwin's finches, all stemming from a single ancestor, and adapting to such varying diets as cactus, parasites and even blood.

For more comprehensive information on evolution, visit Galapagos Fast Facts. Galapagos Islands. Home Nature Wildlife. Call the Galapagos experts now! Galapagos Islands Wildlife Many theories exist regarding the unique nature of the flora and fauna on the Galapagos islands. Galapagos Birds. Today, more than 25, people live among the four inhabited islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana.

Darwin would later draw on this research as evidence for his theory of evolution by natural selection, which he presented in On the Origin of the Species.

Tragically, this unique adaptation was a leading factor in their demise over the centuries, as thousands of tortoises were captured and stored onboard ships to provide fresh meat for sailors. More than , tortoises are estimated to have been lost, leading to the extinction of several species and pushing others to the brink.

What birds are found on the Galapagos Islands? What other animals can you see in the Galapagos? Why is a cruise vacation the best way to see the Galapagos Islands? Related Itineraries. View All Cruises. Related Articles.

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Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe. We highly recommend snorkeling or even diving to get up close and personal to the tortoises, manta rays, sharks, and colorful fish. When you pause and consider it, there are endless reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands, and many of those reasons make the Galapagos a great travel destination.

Adventure, mystique, entertainment, beauty and more all exist in the Galapagos. Go Galapagos Ltda. All rights reserved. Galapagos Facts Why Galapagos? Galapagos Legend Coral Yachts. Request a Quote Contact our Team. Reason 1: The Islands The Galapagos are made up of 21 islands, 18 of them major. Reason 2: The Unique Wildlife A majority of the species found in the Galapagos are endemic, which means they adapt to the changing environment.