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Galapagos Islands -
The
Galapagos Islands are a group of twelve
volcanic islands and numerous islets
 an rocks 650 miles off the Pacific
coast of Ecuador. The area of the islands is 3,086 square miles.
Only two are inhabited: Isabela, the largest of the group, and San
Cristobal. Current estimated population in the islands is 20,000. The islands are hilly,
rising to a height of 5,000 feet, and there are several active
volcanoes.
The
Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique
fauna and flora,
 which include species not found elsewhere. Best known
are the huge tortoise (galapago) and some species of lizards.
Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1830. It was here that he made the
major portion of his observation that led to his theories on evolution
and the Origin of the Species. Many scientists have since carried
out research on the islands.
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