Introduction
The Galapagos is a group of islands that are found in the Pacific and are known for their biodiversity. The Galapagos are so diverse and several reasons can explain why animals adapt there. The ecosystem around the Galapagos has many animal and plant species that enhance its biodiversity value.
Biodiversity refers to different types of plants and animals living in a particular area. If an area has many species, then it is referred to as biodiverse and the Galapagos is one of the best examples. However, pollution and shipping effects pose a great threat to different animals living in the Galapagos.
Discussion
The Galapagos is so diverse because it is a home for many endemic species; this means that some species found here are not found elsewhere on the planet. This island has iconic mammals, reptiles, and birds such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, and sea lions. Secondly, its diversity is attributed to different habitats such as highland forests, sand dunes, and scrubland that allow many animals to live there (Anderson n.p). Open ocean waters attract pelagic fish and the valleys provide home to many marine animals. The coastal areas have features such as sandy beaches, rocky shores, mangroves, and lagoons that provide habitats to marine animals. These islands also experience some geological processes that create saline environments favorable for some animals more than other parts of the Pacific (Galapagos Conservancy n.p). In other words, the great biodiversity in this Island is significantly attributed to the wide range of habitats.
The availability of many habitats makes it possible for many animals to thrive here and adapt to the unique environmental conditions. Therefore, in addition to endemism, the Galapagos’ biodiversity is associated with its geographical position. This island is isolated from other places which explains why some animal species such as the Galapagos giant tortoise are found here (Anderson n.p). At the same time, although the water temperature at the Galapagos varies, it contributes to the adaptability of many animals on this island. Anderson emphasizes that the beauty of the Galapagos is partly associated with its location on the Pacific Ocean (n.p).
The island is located where several ocean currents usually converge. For instance, the cool Equatorial current from the west converges with the saline water from Peru currents from the south, and warm waters in Panama flow from the west (Anderson n.p). These currents are rich in nutrients and they also create favorable environments for the survival of many animals. Equally, the availability of coral reefs is another factor contributing to Galapagos’ diversity. Anderson explains that the ocean currents that support the growth of coral reefs are necessary for the sustenance of different marine species (n.p). For instance, marine iguanas usually dive and feed on the algae found on the reefs.
Notably, although the coral reefs are facing the risk of extinction, they are important in marine ecosystems. They are the main source of food for marine animals, as seen in the Galapagos. As aforementioned, this island is located in the Pacific with unique and significant factors contributing to its biodiversity. The waters surrounding this island are also rich in coral reefs. For example, some studies carried out in the 1970s, discovered more than 17 species of coral reefs and before the pre-El-Niño period, the coral reefs at the Galapagos had survived for many years (Anderson n.p). Although the El-Niño caused devastating effects on coral reefs, their availability at these islands serves as the main source of food necessary for the survival of marine life.
On the other hand, pollution is causing a great risk to the Galapagos’ biodiversity and making it hard for animals to adapt to this ecosystem. For instance, plastic pollution arises as plastics are disposed of in water bodies and disintegrate into micro-particles that enter the food chain (United Nations Education Programme n.p). Some of them are ingested by marine animals such as fish. As a result, the Galapagos communities are taking steps to help in reducing plastic pollution on this island to maintain its biodiversity and allow animals to adapt easily.
Further, the current shipping effects are altering the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos. The existence of many animals on these Islands attracts many tourists. Many hotels are also built to accommodate tourists visiting these Islands and exploring and enjoying shipping activities. However, they cause ripple effects that threaten iconic diversity. Timothy explains that as more hotels and infrastructure are built, they will increase shipments to the Galapagos (n.p). This will cause more boat traffic that can harbor the survival of some species. Besides, more hotels will attract more people to a place that is already struggling to support its population. They will also increase other problems such as water shortages, garbage disposal, and pollution. At the same time, tourists use ships that use fuels and emissions that cause environmental pollution. this means that as tourists go round trips around the Islands, they increase their carbon footprint (Timothy n.p). These effects do not only cause pollution but also pose a serious threat to the Galapagos Islands.
Conclusion
Summarily, the Galapagos has a rich biodiversity and many animals live here because it has many habitat zones. It is also located in an area where currents converge making it suitable for many animals to thrive. Secondly, the availability of coral reefs serves as the main source of food for marine animals and their survival. However, human activities such as pollution and shipping are causing ripple effects that threaten the iconic biodiversity in these Islands.
Works Cited
Anderson, Eva. “Governance of the Coral Reefs of the Galapagos Islands.” ArcGIS StoryMaps, Web.
Timothy. What’s the impact of Galapagos land tours vs. ship tours? Luxury Latin America. 2019. Web.
United Nations Environment Programme. In the Galápagos, fighting the rising tide of plastic pollution. 018. Web.