Evolution at Play

   Scientifically, the Galapagos is a haven for biologists.  Evolution is literally everywhere. Yes, there are the finches whose beak sizes vary according to what type of seeds they eat, which prompted Darwin to propose Natural Selection (modern researches have even measured how the beaks of the finches change size over generations in response to harsh environmental pressures such as droughts!).  But, each island with its handful of creatures and different micro climates and vegetation has animals that have evolved to adapt to the environment.  For example, the marine iguana on the island with pale stones has become pale over the years.  Unfortunately, evolution today may be caused less by nature and more by the approximately 120,000 visitors to the islands each year and the many introduced species that threaten to eat or out compete the natives for food.  Even on our visit, there were less penguins and no flamingos on the islands that we saw (this could be a cyclical thing, or it might be the gradual destruction of the Galapagos as it currently is).  So, my advice, go soon if you want to see things closer to the way nature caused them to evolve. 

An example of evolution, this is a red-footed boobie.

And this is a blue-footed boobie!