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• The Galapagos Islands famously inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Home to many species, the islands are currently threatened by numerous outside visitors and a changing environment. The islands are part of Ecuador.

  On April 11, 2009, a volcano began erupting in the island chain. The La Cumbre volcano, located on Fernandina Island, is not a threat to people, but officials are concerned about the local wildlife. Fernandina is uninhabited by humans because it is part of the national parks system. The volcano has been inactive since 2005.Sky News: Volcano Erupts In Galapagos Islands... (April 12, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Discovered: March 10, 1535
  2. UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1978
  3. World Heritage in Danger: 2007
  4. Country: Ecuador
  5. Total Area: 142,665.14 square kilometers
  6. Human population: Over 28,000 WWF: The Galapagos
  7. Island chain has 13 large islands, 100 small onesWWF: The Galapagos
  8. Environment contains deserts, forests and wetlandsWWF: The Galapagos
  9. Almost 9,000 species of animalsWWF: The Galapagos
  10. Home for the only penguin in the Northern HemisphereWWF: The Galapagos
  11. Iguanas and bird species occur in large concentrations not seen elsewhereWWF: The Galapagos

• History

  European discovery of the islands occurred on March 10, 1535. There were no indigenous people on the islands when they were discovered by Europeans. The islands were mostly used by pirates until the late 18th century. In 1959, Ecuador declared 97.5% of the islands a national park. In 1986, 70,000 sq. km around the archipelago were declared a marine reserve.

• Darwin's Studies

  Charles Darwin arrived on the Galapagos islands in 1835. Upon observing the wildlife, Darwin developed his theory of evolution. Most important to his theory was his observation of the island's finches, which he concluded had developed different beaks to adapt to different sources of food.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Ecuador | Climate Change | Charles Darwin | Pink Iguana

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