Introduction
The Galapagos Islands are a collection of volcanic islands which are positioned in the pacific ocean about 1,000 kilometers from South America (Stephenson, 17). These islands together with their adjoining oceanic reserve have been termed as an exceptional museum of living beings and a display case of evolution. The intent of this paper is to analyze why these islands are important and explain their role in biological evolution. Further, the paper will analyze the relationship of living organisms and the impact of human activities on the Galapagos Islands.
The importance of Galapagos Islands and their role in the development of the biological evolution
The Galapagos Islands are known for their outstanding importance in the bionetwork. The islands most importantly, host a wide range of unique plant and animal species that are difficult to locate in any other part of the world. This is due to the isolation of the islands from other areas of the planet. The Galapagos tortoise is an example of such unique species (Stephenson, 32). Additionally, The Galapagos Island’s ambiance is affected by two main water currents. The arctic deep water current that affects the island carries with it a great supply of nutrients which feed the foundation of the food chain. Consequently, the islands were formed through a volcanic process that is ongoing. This has seen to the formation of more and more islands with time. Because of this, the importance and role of these islands will continue to be felt for the longest time possible.
The Galapagos Islands have played an immense role in the development of the biological evolution. Charles Darwin also referred to as the father of biological evolution, visited the islands in 1835 for a period of five weeks. His visit to the islands formed the basis for the development of the natural selection theory of biology (Stephenson, 32). He was able to study a variation of species from different islands during his visit to the Galapagos. Through this, it came to understanding that all species came to existence though a process of natural selection. This discovery of Darwin has continued to be used by various scholars in the explanation of evolution to date.
The relationships between living organisms and their surrounding environments
The varied environments of the Galápagos Islands encourage the progression of unique features of numerous animals and plants. Most animals in these islands have for example adapted and fit to these varied environments through the process of natural selection. These species hence appear dissimilar to species found in other areas of the globe. Although most species in the islands develop in harsh environments, they have adapted in these environments to their advantage. The marine ecosystems in the islands for instance, have learnt to obtain their food from the flow of cool waters rich of nutrients across the islands. The surrounding cool waters of the islands also results to cooler temperatures on the land, than is experienced in other tropical areas. The first species to settle in the Galapagos Islands adapted to these cool land temperatures. These temperatures are however not favorable for big mammalian predators hence prevent them from settling in these islands. Through the adaptation to these unusual temperatures, the first species to settle in the islands have been able to keep themselves safe from predators. Likewise, other animals in the islands have adapted to creating tools that assist them in accessing resources which would otherwise be difficult to obtain. The woodpecker in the Galapagos for example uses a cactus needle to haul out insects from crevasses in barks (Henzel, 58). These are mostly insects that would be difficult for them to catch.
Human impacts and ways of preserving the Galapagos Ecosystem
Human activities in the Galapagos Islands have had an immense impact on the islands’ environment. Notably, human beings remain the greatest threat to the Galapagos Islands. Human beings have for example introduced non native types of plants and animals in the islands. An example of such animals is the feral goats introduced in the islands (Henzel, 60). Because of lack of a natural predator, these new species have reproduced rapidly and destroyed the homes of native species. Additionally, human activities through large productions and improper management of waste have continued to threaten the Galapagos Islands’ land and waters. These wastes for example form marine debris which negatively affects the delicate marine beings and the coasts of unoccupied islands. There are also increased activities of illegal fishing by human beings going on within the Galapagos Islands. These activities have increasingly threatened the rare marine species like the hammerheads (Henzel, 62). The Galapagos Islands have become famous across the globe hence receives a large number of tourists each year. Tourism activities have however become unsustainable in the islands. The increased pressure from human beings is threatening the goal of conservation as well as efforts of sustainable development in the islands.
It is however still possible to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. This can be done in a number of ways. First, it is imperative that the locals are trained on an artisanal culture of fishing (Henzel, 63). This will encourage the adoption of fishing practices which are sustainable and caters for the future generation. Such, will also ensure that the fishermen are able to maximize their fishing activities with negligible effect on the environment. Another way that can be adopted to preserve the wildlife and plant species of the Galapagos Islands is the adoption of a strong surveillance system of the Islands’ reserve. This will assist in the monitoring of activities that take place within the islands to ensure that they are aimed at environmental conservation.
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References
Henzel, Cynthia K. Galápagos Islands. Edina, Minn: ABDO Pub. Co, 2011. Print.
Stephenson, Marylee. The Galapagos Islands: The Essential Handbook for Exploring, Enjoying
& Understanding Darwin's Enchanted Islands. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2000. Print.
