Darwin's Islands

The Galapagos Islands have a unique range of animal life, due to their isolation from the South American mainland. Few new animals have been able to colonize the islands, and the original inhabitants have evolved in isolation. In addition to Darwins' finches, the Galapagos Islands now have a population of penquins ang fur seals that live together with tropical animals. The marine iguanas (large lizards that swim underwater to graze on seaweed) are unique. A different type of the famous giant tortoises has evolved to live on each island inthe group (some are recently extinct). The only natural inhabitant that is not unique to the Galapagos, apart from some bird species, is a small lizard.