Galapagos Islands

Scientists have been studying the Galapagos islands for over 150 years since Charles Darwin had visited them, and have studied them as a "laboratory of evolution." Isolated, belonging to Ecuador, they can be found 650 miles west of the mainland, rising to almost 5000 feet above sea level. Due to the cold, Peru current, these islands are of cool temperatures, with some rainfall on the coastlines. There are a half-dozen islands all together and a few smaller ones, all of which were developed in Volcanic activity.

Although Ecuador strives to maintain its beauty and protect many of the endangered species, the constant threat of human activity and foreign animals can become quite destructive.

There are many unique plants and animals here that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the twenty natural wonders.

The name "Galagpagos" comes from the Spanish word for turtle.

Sites for further Information

   "Galapagos Geology on the Web"
    http://www.geo.cornell.edu/geology/Galapagos.html Note: Contains links to even more sites on the Galapagos Islands.

    "Galapagos Islands"
    http://www.panix.com/userdirs/galvez/isletour.htm

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Photography by Ken and Carol Weemhoff