介绍:
The Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, 900 kilometers west of Ecuador. They form a unique marine ecosystem▼, comprising1 Ecuador's Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve. The vast2 number of endemic▼ fauna▼, much of it studied by Charles Darwin, include 32 species of mammals▼, 28 reptile▼ species, 13 types of Darwin's finches▼, and nearly 150 bird species, including sea birds, shore birds, water birds, and land birds. The 600-mile distance to the nearest land mass▼ made it very difficult for new species to reach the islands, and the wildlife of the Galápagos evolved3 in relative isolation4. The result is a treasure trove▼ of distinctive5 species.
Dark seabirds with long, pointed wings, forked▼ tails, short legs, and webbed▼ feet are called frigatebirds▼. They snatch6 food from the sea surface and from other seabirds such as boobies▼. Frigatebirds never land on water. Blue-footed and redfooted boobies are conspicuous▼ seabirds with large, daggershaped ▼ bills▼ and webbed feet that they display in courtship7 rituals.
Another fascinating8 endemic animal is the Galápagos tortoise9, with an estimated population of 15,000. Their size and distinctive shape make them unmistakable10. Galápagos tortoises can measure 150 centimeters long and weigh up to 250 kg. These massive11 reptiles attain12 a lifespan13 of over 100 years, making them one of the longest-living species in the animal kingdom. The ancient creatures are currently thriving14, and a new species has even been discovered recently.
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