Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS): Gallapagos Islands - TnCIS in Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are sites of incredible natural beauty and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the Galápagos, biological diversity has been preserved with minimal impact from human colonization. The crystal-clear waters of the Galápagos sustain schools of fish with brilliant colors, playful sea lions, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. But the beauty of the Galápagos extends beyond the wildlife of the ocean.

On land, the flora and fauna of these islands are equally as diverse. Lava lizards, land iguanas, pelicans, flamingos, giant tortoises, swallow-tailed gulls, and blue-footed boobies are just some of the animals that make their home here. The land is covered with a unique variety of large trees in the highlands, as well as cacti, mangroves, and other dry-adapted species in the coastal regions. The unique organisms of the Galápagos inspired Charles Darwin with ideas about how life of Earth has changed over time.

On land, the flora and fauna of these islands are equally as diverse. Lava lizards, land iguanas, pelicans, flamingos, giant tortoises, swallow-tailed gulls, and blue-footed boobies are just some of the animals that make their home here. The land is covered with a unique variety of large trees in the highlands, as well as cacti, mangroves, and other dry-adapted species in the coastal regions. The unique organisms of the Galápagos inspired Charles Darwin with ideas about how life of Earth has changed over time.