Charles Darwin was the first to document the variety of life on the Galapagos Islands. He observed that many of the animals were similar to those on the South American mainland, but with some unique adaptations. He theorized that the animals on the islands had descended from a few original species, which had arrived from the mainland.
Darwin also observed that different types of finches had evolved different beak shapes to adapt to different food sources. The observations made by Darwin on the Galapagos Islands helped to form the basis of his theory of evolution by natural selection.
The Galapagos Islands are now a popular destination for tourists and scientists, who come to see the unique wildlife and learn about the work of Darwin.
The islands are also home to a number of conservation projects, which aim to protect the unique plants and animals that live there.
The Charles Darwin Foundation was established in 1959 to promote scientific research on the islands and help to conserve the unique environment.
