Day 6: We woke up at 4:45 AM to catch a boat to take us back to Santa Cruz. As we were leaving we said goodbye to Paola and gave her a group hug. After our two hour trip, we spent the rest of the morning on the beach, snorkeling and relaxing at Tortuga Bay. Afterwards we showered up and walked to the Charles Darwin Research Center. At the center, we observed the theories of how different species made it to the island and how these species are being impacted by ecotoursim and increased competition for habitats and resources. An example would be Darwin's Finches and the constant adaptations they exhibit during shortages or abundances of specific foods. Also at the center was Lonesome George, which was the last native Pinta Tortoise. Lonesome George died in 2012 and has since been taxidermied and placed on display. Lonesome George is now a symbol all over the world for conservation of species due to human activities. As his species was wiped out by whalers and farmers, Lonesome George now stands as the last Pinta Tortoise and will forever be remembered. Evolution and Species Adaptations: The Galapagos Cormorant: Unlike every other species of Cormorant, the Galapagos Cormorant is a flightless bird that uses its powerful wings to swim and catch fish. Galapagos Tortoises: There are 13 species of Tortoises remaining on the Galapagos Islands. All these species are separated from each other by either land barriers such as volcanoes or water barriers. These barriers have allowed these tortoises to develop separate adaptations such as the saddle back. Each island also has very different vegetation which allows for individual species to feed on different food sources. Iguanas: There are 4 species of Iguanas on the Islands; Marine, Rose and two types of land iguanas. Although these species can be found on the same islands, the Rose Iguana is only found in the mountains of Isabella Island while the marine Iguana stays close to the shore and the land iguanas are able to venture inland. Darwin's Finches: There are 14 different species of Darwin's finches with an additional species that was just discovered. Researchers at the center collect finch eggs to keep them protected during incubation. Although the center says they do not preform any activities that would require special treatment to any one species. Sources: https://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/about-galapagos/lonesome-george/ http://aboutgalapagos.nathab.com/animals/birds-of-the-galapagos/ https://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/about-galapagos/biodiversity/reptiles/
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ExperienceThrough Stockton University, I traveled to Ecuador where I studied Biodiversity, |