Science and Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

Abstract

The contribution of the Galapagos Islands to increasing our understanding of evolution can hardly be surpassed by any other place of similar size on Earth. Evolutionary biology research on the Galapagos spans studies on the origins of life to molecular phylogeny and evolutionary developmental biology. Most pioneering research conducted on the Galapagos was basic descriptive natural history that focused on the evolutionary ecology of endemic species, with an emphasis on the patterns and mechanisms of adaptation, geographic distribution, and taxonomic affinities, based mostly on appearance and behavior. Modern research, however, such as that conducted by Peter and Rosemary Grant and several other scientists, has made the transition from descriptive patterns to a more quantitative and scientific orientation that features the testing of hypotheses about the evolution and conservation of Galapagos organisms and ecosystems. Now, the study of speciation and adaptive radiation, two common evolutionary processes found on oceanic archipelagos like the Galapagos, can be tracked in time and space, owing to the development of modern molecular genetic techniques and its application to the study of phylogenies (molecular phylogeny) and biography (phylogeography). Island ecosystems and organisms offer a unique opportunity for the study of the fundamental principles of evolution, including natural selection, adaptation, and speciation. Both the Galapagos National Park, as the authority, and scientists deserve much recognition for maintaining the manipulation of organisms and ecosystems at a minimal level to preserve the systems under study. Here, the most relevant subjects on the principles and mechanisms of evolutionary biology are succinctly addressed by research studies conducted in the Galapagos Islands. By no means does the review include all of the fascinating studies that have been conducted since Darwin’s memorable visit to the Galapagos 174 years ago on 16 September 1835.