CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF ECUADOR

Faculty of Philosophy

SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

NAME:MELIZA YUNGA

4th SEMESTRE

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Situated in the Pacific some 1,000 km from the South American continent, these islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique 'living museum and showcase of evolution'.

LOCALITATION GEOGRAPHICAL

FAUNA

What makes the Galapagos so rich, however, is the proximity and availability to study the amazing animals and plant life found here, as if you were in a university lab! Following is a list and small description of the most famous inhabitants of these enchanted island

The Galapagos Tortoise

 

Lonesome George (Spanish:Solitario Jorge) Is a tortoise, the last known individual of the Pinta Island tortoise 

which is one of eight to fifteen extant subspecies of Galápagos tortoise all of which are native to the Galápagos Islands

George is estimated to be about 100 years of age, and he is in good health

THE MARINE TURTLE : This graceful animal is astounding to watch while snorkeling or diving. The pacific green sea turtle is the only resident marine turtle of the Galapagos

LAND IGUANAS : These colorful creatures are nothing short of spectacular. They prefer prickly pear cactus, standing on their hind legs to reach the flowering plant.

THE CORMORANT : The only flightless cormorant in the world! Over years, it evolved into a great swimmer, losing the capacity to fly. To see this bird, you have to get to the sest side of Isabela. It's well worth the time and trip to see this amazing torpedo in the water.

PENGUINS : This is the only penguin found in equatorial waters - warm waters. It's the most northerly penguin in the world, as the rest are found in the Southern Hemisphere.

Isla Isabela and Fernandina have the most penguins.

THE WAVED ALBATROSS : The waved albatross is a resident of the Galapagos, and if you make it to the islands from April to December, it can be seen on Isla Santa Cruz.

THE FRIGATEBIRD : These scoundrels don't like to do much fishing, and so you can see them trying to distract boobies and other birds to snatch the prey caught by others.

They are most spectacular during courtship when the male bird inflates the flap of bright-red skin found under his beak.

Mammals Galapagos include two species of bat, two endemic rice rat species and its most famous mammals - the Galapagos sea lion and fur seal. You will never tire of seeing these playful, beautiful creatures swim through the waters and waddle on land.

Under the sea is a world rich with tropical fish, corals, sharks, eels, rays, dolphins and

more.

FLORA

The flora of the islands is equally interesting and diverse.

The Galapagos has three marked zones: othe littoral zone, othe arid zone, and othe transition zone.

The miconia zone and fern-sedge zone are also found on the islands. Mangroves are the main flora found in the littoral zone, where the plants can tolerate high levels of salt.

Surprisingly, the Galapagos is quite arid, and islands are covered with prickly pear cacti (our land iguanas' favorite treat), the palo santo and acacias among others.

¡¡There are hundreds of plant species!!

January to March is considered the hot/wet season, March being the hottest month of the year. The islands are brimming with plant life, and the water temperatures are ideal for snorkeling and diving at this time of year. Because of the climate changes in July through September, there's less rain

CLIMATEThe ocean's surface temperature

ranges greatly from 7 to 28 centigrade grades

When you choose the time of year to visit the Galapagos, prioritize. Decide what you would

rather do and see, as not all animals are present at all times of year

PLAN YOUR IDEAL VACATION IN GALAPAGOS ISLADS