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Darwin's revolutionary discovery: How did the Galapagos Islands change our understanding of evolution?
The Galapagos Islands, located about 900 kilometers off the west coast of South America, are composed of 18 main islands and dozens of small islands and rocks. This volcanic archipelago is not only famous for its unique biodiversity, but also because Its historical significance in Darwin's theory of evolution has attracted much attention.
In 1809, Darwin boarded the HMS Beagle, a voyage that would allow him to delve into the theories of natural selection and species evolution.
There are many unique species in the ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, such as Galapagos marine iguanas and large tortoises. The existence of these species made Darwin further think about the relationship between life and the environment.
The islands are also geologically remarkable. Because the archipelago is located at the junction of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate, the heat source buried underground continues to promote volcanic activity, forming a series of young volcanic islands.
The differences between the biota of these islands and that of the mainland gave Darwin a basis for thinking, prompting him to publish "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. In the book, Darwin extended the concept of natural selection to the entire world. world.
The uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands demonstrates that species can gradually evolve in response to changes in their environment, a discovery that overturns traditional biological concepts.
Today, hundreds of years later, the Galapagos Islands remain an important site for scientific research. As humans pay increasing attention to the impact on the ecological environment, these islands provide valuable evidence for ecological protection and evolution.
Every year, approximately 300,000 tourists visit this remote land. Many people come here to see the place that changed the history of science and to experience the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands.
"Have humans learned to respect and protect our natural environment, so as to continue Darwin's exploration in the right way?"
Today, the area is under stricter protection, with all its islands included in Ecuador's national parks and marine reserves, demonstrating the contemporary emphasis on protecting biodiversity. This is not only a continuation of Darwin's theory, but also a responsibility to future generations.
In the future, as ecological research deepens, which new species will we discover that may be the next step in evolution?
