A richly illustrated nature tour of Galápagos—now expanded, thoroughly updated, and with more than 650 color photographs Galápagos is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and profusely illustrated natural history of this spectacular archipelago. Offering much more information than identification guides, the book provides detailed accounts and more than 650 color photographs of the islands’ habitats, marine life, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants, making the book a virtual nature tour of Galápagos. Galápagos experts John Kricher and Kevin Loughlin have thoroughly revised the original text, bringing all the taxonomy up to date and adding a wealth of new information. Individual chapters cover geology, ecology, human history, Darwin’s finches and how Darwin came to his theory of natural selection from his visit to the islands, Galápagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, mammals, seabirds, landbirds, marine life, and conservation challenges and initiatives. The concluding chapter covers each of the individual islands, including landing sites, unique plant and animal species, and points of interest, and serves as a wonderful guide for visitors as they move from island to island or plan a trip to Galápagos. With its combination of rich text and splendid photos, Galápagos is essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast alike. Now with more than 650 color photographs, showing habitats, geology, marine life, and all the commonly encountered reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants Features a detailed island-by-island guide, including landing sites and what visitors can expect Essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast

This book details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands. A list of the dominant plants according to vegetation zone is included. Of particular note is the discussion of the problems of colonisation by founding populations, biological evolution, and ecology, and of the evolutionary processes bringing about species diversity.

"As Ezzy Skylar's mother lay dying, her father promised to take Ezzy and her younger brother, Luke, to all of the places on his wife's wonder-list, starting with the Galâapagos Islands. There's just one problem: while Luke loves all living things, Ezzy freaks out around wild animals. For her family, Ezzy must face her fears and walk with iguanas, swim with sea lions and sharks, and pretend to dance among blue-footed boobies. Things take a dangerous turn when hijackers take over their cruise ship. Ezzy, Luke, and Aiden, a teen they meet on the ship, are stranded on remote and wild Isabela Island, where an erupting volcano adds to the action and adventure. Ezzy must find bravery she never knew she had and rely on her little brother's help to make their way across the island in an attempt to rescue a ship full of tourists and the animals of the Galâapagos."--Provided by publisher.

A richly illustrated nature tour of Galápagos—now expanded, thoroughly updated, and with more than 650 color photographs Galápagos is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and profusely illustrated natural history of this spectacular archipelago. Offering much more information than identification guides, the book provides detailed accounts and more than 650 color photographs of the islands’ habitats, marine life, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants, making the book a virtual nature tour of Galápagos. Galápagos experts John Kricher and Kevin Loughlin have thoroughly revised the original text, bringing all the taxonomy up to date and adding a wealth of new information. Individual chapters cover geology, ecology, human history, Darwin’s finches and how Darwin came to his theory of natural selection from his visit to the islands, Galápagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, mammals, seabirds, landbirds, marine life, and conservation challenges and initiatives. The concluding chapter covers each of the individual islands, including landing sites, unique plant and animal species, and points of interest, and serves as a wonderful guide for visitors as they move from island to island or plan a trip to Galápagos. With its combination of rich text and splendid photos, Galápagos is essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast alike. Now with more than 650 color photographs, showing habitats, geology, marine life, and all the commonly encountered reptiles, birds, mammals, and plantsFeatures a detailed island-by-island guide, including landing sites and what visitors can expectEssential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast

This encyclopedia provides readers with a comprehensive look at the Galápagos Islands, from the wildlife and scientists that made them famous to the challenges and issues the islands face today. In the mid-1800s, the Galápagos Islands served as Charles Darwin's playground, a volcanic archipelago where he famously worked on his theories of evolution and natural selection. But who actually discovered the islands? Why didn't any country claim them for more than 200 years? And is ecotourism hurting or helping these mysterious islands? This volume explores the history, science, and culture of the Galápagos Islands. A Preface, Introduction, Chronology, and Galápagos at a Glance primer introduce readers to the islands that are so famously associated with Charles Darwin. Twelve thematic essays allow readers to explore such topics as evolution, the geology of the islands, invasive species, and tourism in depth. Topical entries follow, covering key individuals and organizations as well as other important concepts and ideas. Thirteen primary document excerpts allow readers to study firsthand accounts from explorers and visitors to the islands. Appendices, a glossary, a bibliography, and sidebars round out the text. Students of history, geography, and science will find this volume informative, while general readers will be intrigued to learn about these unique islands.

In Indigenous Settlers of the Galápagos: Conservation Law, Race, and Society, Pilar Sánchez Voelkl offers an anthropological and historical account about the early arrival and prominent presence of Andean Indigenous people in the Galápagos Islands. Her research traces the stories of the earliest colonizers, who permanently settled on the archipelago, from the 1860s onwards. Sánchez Voelkl argues that their journey illustrates the way multiple notions of nature, race, and society interact to shape a social order in Darwin’s archipelago. Contrary to common portraits of the islands as an example of untouched nature, Indigenous Settlers of the Galápagos provides compelling evidence about the complexities about human and non-human relationships.

This is a synthesis of both previously published information and abundant new data derived from field studies on Galagos insects. The dynamics and patterns of the evolution, ecology and distribution of the entire insect fauna are presented in general. The core of the book is an account of the 495 species of insects in the smaller orders with detailed information on their distribution and bionomics.

"Evolutionary ecologist and photographer John Hess presents the Galápagos in stunning photographs and insightful prose, celebrating the archipelago as a unique place to appreciate the achievements of Charles Darwin and other biologists as well as a place for visitors to experience the wonders of the natural world"--Provided by publisher.

After destroying the permanent X-Point and thwarting the Doctor's plans for world domination, Daisha and Axel have a new problem: without a permanent X-Point, Earth’s magnetic poles are flipping, causing massive climactic changes around the world. Now they must find a way to expose a new X-Point to stabilize Earth’s magnetic field, all while evading a doomsday cult that would have the world end. Can Axel and Daisha figure out how to find each other and save the world?