What were some of the unusual species of plants and animals that were observed on the Galapagos Islands
Some of the unusual species of plants and animals observed on the Galapagos Islands include:
1. Marine iguanas: Only iguanas in the world that can swim and feed underwater, and the only lizards to feed exclusively on marine algae.
2. Giant tortoises: These tortoises can weigh up to 900 pounds and live to be more than 100 years old.
3. Blue-footed ies: These birds evolved to have bright blue feet as a result of their diet, which is rich in pigments that dye their feet blue.
4. Galapagos penguins: The only penguins that live on the equator and the only penguins that can live in a tropical climate.
5. Cactus finches: Birds that are uniquely adapted to feed on the fruits and flowers of cacti.
6. Opuntia cactus: A type of cactus that grows in the Galapagos Islands with prickly pear fruit that is eaten by tortoises, iguanas and birds.
7. Lava cactus: A plant species that is able to grow in barren volcanic lava fields.
8. Darwin's finches: A group of 13 different species of finches, each adapted to different ecological niches on the islands.