About
The Galápagos Islands, an archipelago 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, are considered one of the world's premier wildlife destinations and the birthplace of evolutionary theory. Darwin's observations of the islands' unique species — including 13 species of finches adapted to different ecological niches — were crucial to his development of the theory of natural selection.
The islands' isolation allowed evolution to proceed undisturbed, producing species found nowhere else: marine iguanas (the only seagoing lizard), giant tortoises weighing 300 kg, flightless cormorants, and blue-footed boobies. Because the animals evolved with no natural predators, they show no fear of humans — visitors can walk among them.
# Top 10 Galápagos Islands facts
- 1Darwin's observations of Galápagos finches were key to his theory of evolution by natural selection
- 2Galápagos giant tortoises can live over 150 years and weigh up to 300 kg
- 3The islands' animals evolved with no predators and show no fear of humans — you can walk among them
Fascinating Facts
- ◆Darwin's observations of Galápagos finches were key to his theory of evolution by natural selection
- ◆Galápagos giant tortoises can live over 150 years and weigh up to 300 kg
- ◆The islands' animals evolved with no predators and show no fear of humans — you can walk among them
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