The Galapagos Islands Does Not Cease To Amaze

Galapagos Islands.- Stopped for a moment to contemplate the comings and goings of three and later seven blue sharks is sublime. Swim so peacefully in the waters, the lower the tide, forming a giant natural aquarium in one of the many cracks that characterize the volcanic island Isabela.

To have only one meter to the momentum flowing to dare to touch them. Near them, a young sea lion zigzaguea serenely on the water in an attempt to embocadas some small fish.

Being in the midst of these scenes is to believe that a piece of paradise was trapped in the Galapagos. Further strengthens the idea that this is a true natural wonder.

The Ecuadorian archipelago is a sanctuary 5 091 species of terrestrial and marine fauna. So have the Heritage Guide to Natural Protected Areas and Ecuador on the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

Several of these exist only in the islands. For example, 82% of the 17 mammal species are endemic, like 80% of the 29 species of terrestrial birds.
Constitute evidence of a small treasure the unique Galapagos giant tortoises emblematic of over 170 years of life, 225 kg and 1.80 meters in length. Then there are the penguins and cormorants, a final report from the PNG registers 877 and 1 321 copies, respectively.

Then there are the birds or the elusive cucuves lava lizards with seven species, some individuals appear suddenly running and stopping times between blacks and sharp pieces of volcanic lava cooled.

This is one of the decisive strengths to Unesco in 1978, he put the stamp of Natural Heritage of Humanity. Today is the greatest natural wealth that still retains Ecuador.

It's a world so quiet that some birds and animals tolerate human presence without suspicion. Even species such as yellow and pink iguanas not developed the instinct to flee from predators.

Thus, under the shade of mangrove trees, a flock of 10 sea lions resting peacefully regardless of human presence in its territory. A baby wolf is the only thing interesting is that her mother allowed to breastfeed. From time to time, the male raises his head caretaker leader on his harem of eight females. Soon to sleep again.

Immersion in this unique habitat is live scenes full of emotions and sensations. That contact with nature in the Galapagos lived Catry French Bea and her son Paul when they jumped into the sea to snorkel and discover the treasure to keep the multicolor troubled waters in a bay near the isle Champion in Floreana. A young sea lion appeared to invite them to a game.

Wake amazement when small finches and other birds come without fear of 'stealing' a piece of food. The same applies where the iguanas, making swirls on the sun rough volcanic rocks, they are wagging their tails from side to side to make way for the timid human visitors Isabela, Floreana and other islands.
Such is the possibility of encountering unexpected species, which in the quiet beach of Tortuga Bay a group of swimmers to see that no one mantarraya to two meters from the shore. Clearly this issue marine barely see the human presence disappears in fast swimming.

These experiences are to each step in Galapagos islands which were free in the beginning of all life. Although it is not known how long ago began gradually became populated.

It is assumed that it said Fernando Ortiz, a biologist Galapagos Conservation International, among the first inhabitants were certain spores, algae and other primitive plants, apart from some bugs ... Then came birds, reptiles, seeds and more.

Many of these beings as the giant tortoises are now only found in Galapagos. This, their volcanic origin and its breathtaking scenery, as the pinnacle of the Barthelemy, make the Ecuadorian archipelago is a unique natural wonder. So recognize the thousands of voters who placed it with its support at the top of the class Islands unique in the contest promoted by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders.

Some of his early settlers who arrived as stowaways intrepid defeated in his journey of 1 000 km, the ravages of the sea, whose waters raging stronger shaking the whole boat, especially at this time (June-December).

Beings as small mammals and some reptiles sailed on large pieces of wood, trees or pieces of land. These natural rafts were dragged into the ocean during events such as El Nio, which occur on the continent.

Also migrated from those seeds sprouted the flora of Galapagos. Some travel within or attached to the birds feathers and the legs of these, as other spores that fly long distances.

And mammals, sea lions and mice were the only ones who came and were able to adapt to the onset of adverse conditions too. Larger mammals could not reach or did not survive.
The truth is that, according to Ortiz, the first species of the archipelago came originally from somewhere else. Nor is it known exactly in which order they did, but "it appears that for the establishment of land iguanas, giant tortoises and mice you need some sort of vegetation for food."

How fabulous is that these animals' outsiders' were adapted to the conditions of the islands, and through many generations, have become endemic, or unique animals in Galapagos. Researchers warn that this diversity of species is disconnected from its genetic origin, and mutations were made crosses. Today, the differences are so glaring that no longer resemble their ancestors.
There are also plants with different varieties for each island, following a process of expectation (biological differentiation).

All this makes the Galapagos a very attractive living laboratory for scientists. That happened for example with the scientist Charles Darwin, whom he inspired the theory of evolution. Like seduced Godfrey Merlen, a British biologist 40 years ago that left his country in exchange for being part of this constantly evolving world. Galapagos Travel