1. Approximately how many islands can you see in this group?
There are about ten islands clustered in the main group, with a couple of other minor outlying islands more to the north.
2. What country claims the Galapagos?
Ecuador.
3. If you zoom in on the northern end of Isla Isabela, the largest island, you'll see several round features. What are these?
They are the calderas of the shield volcanoes that formed the island.
4. How far is it from the Galapagos to the mainland of South America? Why is this important for Darwin's studies?
Approximately 690 miles. This distance is far enough to isolate the Galapagos from other mainland species, allowing animals there to evolve separately.
Challenge question. Why are the features you examined in question 3 important for Darwin's studies?
The calderas are from volcanoes that rose from the ocean floor to form the Galapagos. Hence, we know that the diversity on the island all either evolved there or migrated over from the South American continent.
hoang phong
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