Galapagos

The Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of South America, are unlike any other place on Earth. The archipelago’s geology and isolation have led to evolution of a unique flora and fauna that is unlike anywhere else in the world. This book explores the islands' volcanic geology, as well as their wildlife habitats and history. It examines how the archipelago's geographic isolation has shaped its species, including how trade with pirates in the seventeenth century put an end to human settlement on the islands. The book also details today's scientific exploration of these unique ecosystems and their role as a refuge for true wilderness—a frontier for science and an important natural resource.