The Youthful Biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are considered to be 'young' because they are geologically recent formations, resulting from volcanic activity. These islands emerged from the ocean floor through a series of volcanic eruptions. Being 'young' in a geological sense means that the Galápagos are relatively new to the Earth's surface compared to older formations that have been present for millions of years.

The youth of these islands contributes to their unique biodiversity, as species have had a shorter period to colonize and evolve on the islands. Among the most noteworthy species are the Giant tortoises, which have adapted uniquely to their specific environments across different islands. For example, tortoises from an island with abundant vegetation have longer necks to reach for higher leaves, demonstrating a form of natural selection.

This adaptability and diversity of species helped inspire Charles Darwin's theory of evolution after his visit to the islands aboard the HMS Beagle. Today, the Galápagos are a World Heritage Site and a renowned natural park, drawing attention for conservation efforts and controlled tourism to ensure the protection of their pristine ecosystems for future generations.

The islands serve as living laboratories for scientists studying evolution and ecology, continuing to contribute to our understanding of life on Earth.