The Galapagos tortoises
There
are 15 sub-species of giant Galapagos turtles.
Some
prefer the highlands of the larger islands because of its moisture, abundant
grass and small ponds where they drink water and rest.
Others
prefer Tortugas Islands
Little
elevation, dry land and with a variety of thorny vegetation such as cacti.
The
largest concentrations of Galapagos turtles are in Alcedo Volcano on Isabela
Island and in the mountains of Santa Cruz Island.
Shells
Giant
tortoises in the Galapagos Islands come in three versions and are classified
according to their habitat :
1)
Carapace as Domo , characterizing the Tortugas Islands living in high humidity
and abundant vegetation, such as in the Santa Cruz Island and some volcanoes of
Isla Isabela .
2)
Saddle -shaped , with an elevation in the front ( to facilitate the extension
of the neck ) , is characteristic of turtles that live in arid areas with less
vegetation.
An
example of these turtles are those living in the Spanish Islands, Fernandina ,
Pinta and Finch , where cactus trees and shrubs there .
3)
And finally there is an intermediate race is on Santa Fe , which combines the
features of the previous two.
These
patterns were crucial Turtle Galapagos Charles Darwin to show that different
environments and environments of the islands allowed different versions of
animals which grew and evolved ( over time ) into new species .
Even
the Governor of Galapagos at the time, told Darwin that turtles with long necks
are mainly found in the more arid islands and the cactus as the predominant
plant.
At
the time, this simply did not make much sense to Darwin , but that "simple
fact " is the one used in the Origin of Species. Sometimes the simple
facts are complex applications.
Pacific
Green Turtle also belongs to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos tortoise has
a flatter and more aerodynamic shell. Among all turtles this is the fastest and
can swim at a speed of 30 km per hour.
Always
differentiate Turtles by habitat where they live , making it the most water is
the need to call or aquatic turtles and those living on the mainland just to
call the turtles such as the Galapagos tortoise.
Of
course this does not mean that either go overboard or ground respectively.
What's
more, the turtles have to go ashore to lay their eggs and giant Galapagos
tortoises go into the water to cool off. The difference is the place where you
spend most of your time.
Galapagos
Tortoises live a quiet and peaceful life . In morning sunbathers to warm your
body. The day ends for these turtles in the afternoon at about 5:00 PM .
To
keep warm or sheltered usually sleep surrounded by shrubs or mud .
The
Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station are constantly
working to preserve the Galapagos giant tortoises and their environment .