The Galapagos Islands have existed for up to 20 million years as volcanic islands rose from the ocean floor due to tectonic plate movement. Charles Darwin was keenly interested in how unique yet similar organisms colonized the isolated islands during his visit. Modern research like the Grant's decades long study of Galapagos finches showed that competition leads to greater distinction between closely related species over time. However, the islands are now in conflict as scientists wish to preserve them for further study while some local inhabitants wish to exploit the natural resources for economic gain.

1. The Galapagos Islands
An Island of Controversy

2. The Islands

3. The Islands
• ~5 million years old
• Tops of volcanos projected
up from ocean floor due to
tectonic plate movement
• Archipelago has existed for
as long as 20 million years
– Eroded ancient volcanoes
exist below the waves

4. Darwin
• Keenly interested in how
islands were colonized &
why organisms were so
unique, but still similar to
mainland organisms
• Performed experiments
to see how plants could
have colonized the
islands & hypothesized
how animals could have
arrived.

5. Modern Research
• Peter and Rosemary Grant
– Most detailed studies of species
formation in evolution (20+
years)
– Focus: Galapagos Finches
• Intense competition appears to
make finches more distinct
through time
• Two closely related species will
tend to specialize on different
foods & become more distinct

6. Islands in Conflict
• Scientists and Conservationists wish
to keep the islands pristine & pure
for future generations & further
scientific study
• Some local inhabitants want to
exploit natural resources for
economic gain & survival of families
• Sea Cucumber Crisis – 1994/95
– Local fishermen held scientists & their
families hostage for three days at the
Charles Darwin Research Station