Basic Insights on the Galapagos Islands

The term "Galapagos" is closely tied to Charles Darwin's legacy. He served as the naturalist and geologist aboard the HMS Beagle during its 1831 expedition to South America and the Pacific. The Beagle’s journey extended over five years, with a notable five-week stop near the Galapagos Islands.

Located approximately 600 miles (1,000 km) off Ecuador's coast, these isolated islands were once underappreciated scientifically. However, following Darwin's groundbreaking research in 1835, they have emerged as a vital area of study, often referred to as the "jewel in the crown" by biologists. Darwin's theory of evolution, introduced in his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" (1859), was heavily influenced by the unique biodiversity he encountered there.

The allure of the Galapagos extends beyond scientists; its rich marine ecosystem supports numerous commercially valuable species, attracting fishermen. In 2020, a surge of Chinese fishing vessels was spotted in the region, prompting conservationists to accuse them of "exploiting" the waters.

During the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso announced a significant expansion of the marine reserve, adding 60,000 square kilometers for a total area of 193,000 square kilometers. This move was hailed as a "brilliant first step" by conservationists.

Section 1.1: Darwin's Discoveries in the Galapagos

What did Darwin uncover during his 1835 visit? Beyond the marine iguanas, he discovered an array of unique birds, including various finches and mockingbirds, each exhibiting distinct traits from island to island and differing from their mainland Ecuador counterparts.

These extraordinary findings played a crucial role in shaping Darwin's Theory of Evolution. The revolutionary nature of his ideas met resistance in a deeply religious era, leading him to delay publication for years. It wasn't until his colleague, Charles Lyell, encouraged him in May 1856, that he felt compelled to finalize and share his insights with the world.

Section 1.2: The Book and Its Impact

Darwin's book, published in 1859, sold out its first edition within a day! However, its contentious subject matter provoked backlash from religious groups, leading to harsh criticism and ridicule. Newspapers of the time published mocking cartoons that misrepresented his work.

A notable cartoon from 1898, published in The New York Journal, humorously depicted the tension between religious beliefs and Darwinism, featuring a conversation between Adam and Darwin.

By the 20th century, scientific inquiry was no longer hampered by such societal pressures. I, too, benefitted from Darwin's influential discoveries, ultimately becoming a senior lecturer specializing in evolution.

Darwin's work inspired me to delve into genetics, particularly the research conducted by Gregor Mendel, who is regarded as the father of genetics. His studies on pea plants and subsequent publications laid the groundwork for genetic science. Later, I incorporated the work of Watson and Crick into my teachings, exploring the double helix structure of DNA.