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Off the coast of Ecuador lies a little world all within itself called the Galapagos Islands. These islands are what scientist would refer to as young. The islands were created from lava that flowed out of the ocean floor. Today, these ocean floor volcanoes continue to erupt forming even more beautiful islands. To date, there are 60 small islands. These islands hold a variety of unique and amazing endemic (only found in Galapagos) animals such as the giant tortoise, the masked booby, 13 species of small brownish finches, four species of mockingbirds, giant lava lizards, tropical penguins, and land iguanas. Exotic animals are not the only inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. There are at least 1,600 species of insects, 80 spiders, 200 starfishes and urchins as well as many other smaller animals. Sea lions and fur seals can also be found around the islands as well as dolphins and whales. There are also over 300 species of fish that surround this beautiful tropical paradise. The plants of Galapagos are equally intriguing. Endemic Scalesia (tree daisies), tree ferns, bromeliads and orchids can be found in the highland areas of the islands. Along the coastline, the giant prickly pear and candelabra cacti can be found and the small Brachycereus cacti grows on barren lava flows. The Galapagos Island host their own species of cotton, tomato, pepper, guava and passion flower.
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Dodge County Middle School 5911 Oak Street, Eastman, Georgia 31023 ~ (478) 374 - 6492 ~ FAX (478) 374 - 6484 |
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