Which Ecuadorian archipelago is famous for having inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution?
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands, located about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, are a living laboratory of evolution. Its unique inhabitants, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Darwin's finches, have evolved in isolation, resulting in a diversity of endemic species unparalleled elsewhere. Darwin's visit in 1835 and his observations on the variability of species from island to island played a key role in the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. Today, the Galápagos remain a crucial site for scientific research and conservation efforts to protect its fragile ecosystem.