Landscape

So much for animals -- for now. A little about the islands themselves.

(The following picture was copied from JohnCARV's site on flickr. Thanks Jonathan.)


What makes the Galapagos so interesting for naturalists like Charles Darwin?

The islands originate over a hot spot between two tectonic plates. Volcanic activity above the hot spot create an island then the movement of the plates cause the newly (in millions of years) formed island to drift to the south east. So, over time, islands are dragged away from their origin and volcanic activity ceases. Islands in the lower right of the picture are the older siblings of the islands in the upper left.

Although this movement happens in geologic time, it is a laboratory for development of species. Older islands have experienced millions of years of evolution while north western neighbors are newly formed and support a different selection of species even if they are from the same animal family. Thus, we can see, effectively side by side, the driving force in survival of the fittest.

Not only do the islands provide a wonder of animal and plant life but the most incredible terrain. 'A picture is worth a thousand words' ... an understatement in this case. At this point, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.