The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. The Galapagos Islands are located near the mainland, Ecuador, 600 miles (970 kilometers) to the east. The Galapagos Archipelago, with a population of about 30,000, is a province in Ecuador, a country in northwestern South America, and the islands are all part of the national park system in Ecuador. The main language on the islands is Spanish.
Kyiv. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – April 22, 2021 – Tourism and Travel
The Galapagos is made up of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, 107 rocks, and islets (small islets). The islands first appeared on maps around 1570 in those drawn by Abraham Ortelius (cartographer (mapmaker) and geographer, generally known as the creator of the first modern atlas) and Mercator (Flemish cartographer). The islands were called “Insulae de Los Galopegos” (Turtle Islands).
The Galapagos Islands were best known as the islands that shaped Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution after his exploration of the HMS Beagle in 1835.
The Galapagos Archipelago has been known by many different names, including “enchanted islands” because of the way in which strong and fast currents made navigation difficult.
The term “Galapagos” refers to the Spanish name given to the giant land turtles known to inhabit the islands.
The Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory where most animals and birds are not afraid of humans. The islands are mainly known for their wildlife, flightless birds, giant reptiles, and wild plant life, which play a major role in the Earth’s ecosystem. Many say these islands are bird watchers’ paradise.
Endemic (unique) birds that do not fly are extremely afraid of humans, can be approached closely, and will not retreat far from you, which is something you will not find anywhere else.
Another unique attraction on the islands is the giant turtle, and the giant turtle is also the icon of the islands, used for souvenirs, stamps, and the emblem of the national park.
One of the most surprising things about the islands’ climate is that although the islands are tropical and warm, the ocean around them can be very cold.
The plant life of the Galapagos is just as unusual as the wildlife, although it has received less attention and publicity. However, there are many threats to vegetation, and the world’s attention is currently focused on raising funds for botany campaigns to protect endangered species and control the many invasive plants that humans have introduced to the islands.
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Source: Ukrgate
