GALAPAGOS NATURAL HISTORY

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most pristine environments in the world. These islands born of volcanic fire, have never been attached to a continent. Unlike other Hawaii, another volcanic chain human settlement in the Galapagos is relatively new - making Galapagos a virtually untouched living laboratory. It's here in this pristine sanctuary scientists and visitors alike can witness first hand the forces that created not only the Galapagos but the planet earth.

Geology & Volcanoes

Journey from the archipelago's birthplace at the Galapagos Hot Spot. It's here where through the process of plate tectonics the Nazca Plate is subducted by the South American plate at the hot spot the earth continues to grow and begin anew. Each islands of the archipelago was created here and then over time drifted away to make way for the next island. Discover why the younger islands remain active volcanoes while though the older islands of the chain have dormant volcanoes they are better able to support life.

Oceanography & Ocean Currents

No force effects that Galapagos more than that of the ocean. Located at the confluence of a series of ocean currents. Learn how the prevailing current has influenced the climate, flora, and fauna of the islands. These nutrient rich waters are home to one of the greatest collections of sea life anywhere in the world. Galapagos is home to a mixture of both cold water and warm water sea animals. The waters are full with sharks, rays, tuna, morays, whales, dolphins, sea lions and amberjacks to only name a few. The uniqueness of the mixture of life may be easiest seen on land as a place where you can see pink flamingos normally seen in the Caribbean only a few feet away from penguins normally only seen in the Antarctic region.

Wildlife & Evolution

The Galapagos may be best known for one of it's early visitors. It was a young Charles Darwin whose visit to the Galapagos changed the way we think of the world. Darwin saw what thousands of visitors see each year - that through the process of evolution the animals have adapted on different environment depending on the islands environment.

Galapagos is home to endemic birds and animals including Galapagos Penguin, Flightless Cormorant, and the Marine Iguana the only sea going Iguana in the world. To survive in these stark volcanic islands these iguana took to the ocean to feed on algae.

Maybe the best know of all Galapagos wildlife is the Giant Tortoise. The tortoise's ability to survive months without food or water made it possible for these animals to survive the sea journey thousands of years ago. Once in Galapagos the tortoise filled the role normally played by large mammals - that of the dominate grazer. In Galapagos the tortoise evolved into different species on each island - and in the case of Isabela multiple species on the same island as they lived in different environments.

Flora

As unique as the wildlife is less noted is the plant life 40% of which is endemic to Galapagos. Though the islands are home to more than 1000 species of plants - many of the plants can only be found in certain elevations or life zones. Many plant species play a significant roll here - the Galapagos tomato's salt tolerance and disease resistance have caused tomato growers around the world cross breed them with local tomatoes.

Galapagos Conservation & Preservation

The incredible wonders of the Galapagos make this one of the most precious places in the world. Learn about the preservation and conservation issues affecting the Galapagos and it's natural resources. And how organizations like the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park Service work together to restore the natural balance and encourage responsible tourism.