Abstract
The paper describes how human beings have introduced foreign species to the Galapagos Islands, threatening to destroy some of its sensitive and endangered species while transforming its ecological balance. The paper looks at the first animal inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands, and then describes the bird species, land-dwelling mammalian species and insect species currently dwelling on the island. The paper focuses on the current threat to the Galapagos Islands and discusses how protecting the islands requires regulations of the local residential and tourism industries. The writer of the paper contends that a destruction of the Galapagos ecosystem would be an irreversible travesty.

From the Paper
"Since Charles Darwin published The Origin of the Species in 1859, the Galapagos Islands have been renowned for their ecological diversity. The islands are also remarkable for their geographic terrain and volcanic activity. Officially part of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are still many hundreds of miles off the shore of South America. Their being located on the equator in the Pacific Ocean has created one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet.
"Several species have evolved on the Galapagos Islands differently than they have elsewhere, because the Galapagos Islands were formed from volcanic eruptions in the ocean. Unlike many other island systems, they were not once part of a larger land mass. Species living on the Galapagos Islands migrated there after having already evolved on the mainland. Their interactions with their environment and the lack of mainland predators like human beings created a remarkable species differentiation."

Tags:birds, insects, plants, ecosystem, predators, tourism, conservation

Abstract
When one talks about the most beautiful, exotic, and diverse places on earth, the Galapagos Islands are bound to come up. This archipelago is home to countless species of animals that are totally unique to the islands. The paper shows that preservation and conservation of the Galapagos Islands is of world concern, and many groups are taking part, as well as the government that owns the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Although these players are not perfect, they are trying to do the best they can in order to save this pristine environment for future generations to enjoy, study, and learn.

Paper Outline:
Brief History of the Islands
Brief History of Conservation Efforts
Efforts by the Ecuadorian Government
Why Should the Islands Be Conserved?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The conservation movement in the Galapagos Islands really began in earnest in 1936. It was at this time that various scientific expeditions at the beginning of this century sounded the alarm of the killing of the giant tortoises and of the danger of their eventual extinction. It was at this time that the government of Ecuador took measures for the conservation of the animals. In 1936, the islands were declared a National Reserve with stricter regulations. In 1954 a movement was started to protect the species of the Galapagos and to found a center for scientific investigation on the islands."

Tags:Berlanga, Charles, Darwin

Abstract
This paper explains the uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands such as its iguanas. Next, the author explains why the Galapagos Islands are in danger because of tourism, which might result in the restriction of visitors and people taking up residency on these islands. The paper concludes with ideas of how to improve this environmental problem especially through education.

From the Paper
"All of the areas have been designated with zones. These zones designated the fragility of the area. The first one is the recreational zone. There are recreational zones located on each of the islands. There are camping and hiking allowed here. This is the cheapest way to experience the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. The next zone is the Intensive use zone. These zones have less restrictions that the higher zone. This zone has extraordinary scenery and biological and geological diversity. This zone allows for a larger number of people to visit it. Most of the Galapagos Island cruises will visit these zones."

Tags:waste, land development, darwin paths guidelines

Abstract
This paper describes the finch population on Daphne Major of the Galapagos Islands. In particular, the paper details the research of Peter and Rosemary Grant and their Galapagos Finch Program. Various charts and graphs are included in the paper to further illustrate the changes in numbers among the finches over a 24 year time span. The paper suggests hypothesis for the decline in the finches numbers over several years. The author uses the Grants' research to support his own hypothesis.

Outline:
Introduction
Methods
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Unfortunately, there was a sudden decrease in the population of finches in 1977. To better understand the rationale for this sudden change I compared the flourishing wet season of 1973 and the harshly dry season of 1977. I believe that about 3/4 of the finch population died because owls ate the finches or they thirst to death. The reason all of the finches did not die and about 1/4 lived could be due to their weight. Another possible explanation could be the finch's beak length."

Tags:Daphne Major, Peter Grant, Rosemary Grant

Abstract
This paper discusses the film documentary "Galapagos, Beyond Darwin" which introduces viewers to the islands that changed the way naturalist Charles Darwin thought about life on this planet. The paper also examines the adaptations organisms have developed that allow them to survive.

Abstract
This paper focuses on the finches that live on the island of Daphne Major of the Galapagos Islands, a major site for ongoing research for two hundred years. The paper explains that Charles Darwin quested there in the 1830s, and developed his theory of evolution shortly after his trip. While Darwin was there, the paper notes, he developed an interest in a particular type of bird called a finch, which included several different species of ground finches. The paper discusses the Galapagos finches' dramatic population decline in 1977, and seeks to explain their mysterious deaths. The paper adds that research revealed that the finches' size and measurements varied significantly. The paper concludes that these finch phenomena prove to be more cases of natural selection.

Outline:
Background
Introduction
Methods
Results
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper
"In order to test these hypotheses, the gathered data of the scientist must be put in an organized, comprehendible layout. All of the data can be easily read if put into graphs and tables comparing the desired material. For the first hypothesis, it is necessary to know the population of the finches, the populations of seeds of the various plants, and the amount of rainfall for several seasons leading up to and including the year of the crisis. After coordinating this information into graph, it will be possible to visualize any correlation or lack of one. For the second hypothesis, the number of finches and owls must be known for several seasons leading up to and including the seasons of the crisis. This information must also be put into a graph in order to notice a correlation. The third hypothesis requires graphs comparing the survival of finches with longer beaks and those with shorter beaks. The fourth hypothesis requires graphs comparing the survival rate of light and heavy finches."

Tags:evolution, Darwin, natural, selection, species, origin, trait, mutation, survival

Abstract
The paper asserts that Darwin's study of finches (Geospiza fortis) on the undisturbed Galapagos Island is an excellent example of the way a gene pool works in species'. The paper explains the concept of the gene pool and the innate ability of an animal to survive by adapting the genes of the next generation assure long-term survival of a species through their offspring. The paper provides a diagram of Darwin's finches to show the adaptation from one generation of finch to another.

From the Paper
"Darwin's study of finches (Geospiza fortis) on the undisturbed Galapagos Island is an excellent example of the way a gene pool works in species'. The gene pool, which was a discovery in science after Darwin, adapts in order to survive. This concept was a scientific break through in Darwin's time. The innate ability of an animal to survive by adapting the genes of the next generation assure long-term survival of a species through their offspring. In the Diagram below of Darwin's finches (Geospiza fortis) the beak is illustrated to show the adaptation from one generation of finch to another. In order to take advantage of the a variety of feeding..."

Tags:darwin, natural, observation

Abstract
This paper discusses the history of how the finches, which Darwin saw on the Galapagos islands, helped to illustrate and inspire his theory of natural selection and evolution. The essay also addresses the problems with Darwin's theory and gives a detailed discussion of evolutionary theory and natural selection.

From the Paper
"Evolutionary theory argues that species change and evolve into completely new and different species. Evolutionists argue that the abundance of life upon our planet is the manifestation of "original ancestors" who then turned into the diversity of life that we have on the planet today. If indeed the finches are entirely different species, as different as cats and dogs, then the theory of evolution obtains concrete proof that the process of evolution can change one species into a diversity of species through adaptation and natural selection. However, this appears not to be the case in terms of the finches. Despite their obvious differences and survival mechanism both learned and genetically acquired from their environment, these finches are still on the genetic level the same."

Tags:finches darwin evolution, natural selection, galapagos islands, reproduction environment

Abstract
This paper describes the events that led to Darwin's theory of evolution and explains what Darwin means by natural selection. This paper illuminates that Darwin made his observations, which became the basic material for his major work on evolution, during his trip to the Galapagos Islands. The author points out that Darwin's theory of natural selection involves natural variations occurring in the same species.

From the Paper
"Darwin's theory involves natural variations occurring in this bird species. While they are the same species, some individuals have slightly different traits. One individual bird is born with a longer beak than the others. This bird is better able to retrieve insects from the ground. This bird lives better, lives longer and creates more offspring. These offspring continue to have the longer beak that allows them to eat better from the ground. These birds are better able to survive than birds with smaller beaks. The end result is that the area where the food is insect life becomes populated by birds that are best suited to this environment."

Tags:galapagos, evolution, selection, natural, birds

Abstract
This paper shows how all animals came from the same origin but have evolved in many different ways including habitat isolation, behavioral isolation, and mechanical isolation. These all can tie in to Darwin's summary of his finches in the Galapagos Islands. This paper takes a closer look at how natural occurrences can split a population into two different species.

From the Paper
"When Darwin saw that the geologically young Galapagos Islands had already become populated with many plants and animals known nowhere else in the world, he realized that he was visiting a place where many different species have been created. The islands are named for the giant turtles that live there, among with many other unique residents. After visiting the Galapagos, Darwin wrote in his diary: "Both in space and time, we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact--that mystery."

Tags:adaptive, behavioral, biological, carolus, darwin, ecological, evolution, finches, galapagos, habitat, hybrid, isolation, kingdom, linnaeus, macroevolution, pluralistic, population, prezygotic, radiation, species, taxonomy