Evolution of the Galapagos giant tortoise

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Science Evolution and genetics

This activity investigates how Galapagos giants have evolved to become separate species. How do we know which island a tortoise is from just by looking at it? Resources in English and Spanish.

Introduction English resources Spanish resources Related resources

Galapagos giant tortoise eating cactus pad

Introduction

Learning objectives

To identify how animals are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.

Students’ outcomes

To understand the term adaptation and how animals in different environments are suited to their environment.

Resources in English

Evolution of the Galapagos giant tortoise

Available downloads

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Resources in Spanish

Evolución de la tortuga gigante de Galápagos

Available downloads

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Science

Genetics, taxonomy and marine iguanas

In this activity (suitable for GCSE students), students will use genetic data to identify subspecies of marine iguana and understand how this data can help conservation efforts. Resources in English.

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Galapagos giant tortoise amongst vegetation

Science

Evolution in a day

Having trouble getting to grips with teaching evolution? Let the animals of the Galapagos take you on an evolutionary adventure. Resources in English and Spanish.

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Science

Gene banks to maintain biodiversity - Save our seeds

This case study takes students to the Millennium Seed Bank and shows how scientists are working hard to preserve many of the world’s plant species. Resources in English.

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Science

Evolution of a mockingbird

This activity unravels the mystery of the mockingbird and how the Thenca of Chile helped Darwin on his voyage of discovery ‘On the Origin of Species.’ Resources in English and Spanish.

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Aldabra giant tortoise on a beach in the Seychelles

13th Jun 2025

Evolution and genetics Island restoration

Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises: A shared evolutionary story

We take a look at the parallel histories of Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises, and the ways in which both are now helping to restore island ecosystems.

30th Apr 2025

Wildlife studies

Viral prevalence in giant tortoises: An interview with Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar

We spoke to Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar at the Charles Darwin Foundation about her research, partly funded by GCT, looking at the presence and prevalence of infectious agents in giant tortoises.

GCT's Tom O'Hara, Hannah Rickets and Dr Jen Jones with Stephen Fry for the BBC Radio 4 Appeal recording

10th Nov 2024

News Plastic pollution

GCT Ambasador Stephen Fry presents BBC Radio 4 Appeal

Actor, broadcaster, writer and bona fide national treasure Stephen Fry raises the plight of Galapagos giant tortoises and the threat of plastic pollution in this week's BBC Radio 4 Appeal.

29th Oct 2024

Biodiversity loss Research

Understanding the movements of giant tortoises: an interview with Cristian Peñafiel

Cristian Peñafiel, field assistant working at the Charles Darwin Foundation, shares his experience studying one of the Archipelago's most iconic residents.

Evolution of the Galapagos giant tortoise

Introduction

Learning objectives

Students’ outcomes

Resources in English

Evolution of the Galapagos giant tortoise

Available downloads

Resources in Spanish

Evolución de la tortuga gigante de Galápagos

Available downloads

More resources like this

Genetics, taxonomy and marine iguanas

Evolution in a day

Gene banks to maintain biodiversity - Save our seeds

Evolution of a mockingbird

Related articles

Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises: A shared evolutionary story

Viral prevalence in giant tortoises: An interview with Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar

GCT Ambasador Stephen Fry presents BBC Radio 4 Appeal

Understanding the movements of giant tortoises: an interview with Cristian Peñafiel

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