Evolution of the Galapagos giant tortoise

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Science Evolution and genetics

This activity investigates how these Galapagos giants have evolved to become separate species. How do some people know which island a tortoise is from just by looking at it?

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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Galapagos giant tortoise amongst vegetation

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Evolution in a day

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

10th Nov 2024

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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

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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.

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The remarkable story of the Floreana giant tortoise, a species that the world thought was lost forever.

20th Nov 2023

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We spoke to Dr Patrick Moldowan, who joined the Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Programme as Principal Investigator earlier this year, about the team’s recent work in the field.

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

Evolution in a day

Gene banks to maintain biodiversity - Save our seeds

Evolution of a mockingbird

Basic concepts in genetics

Related articles

GCT Ambasador Stephen Fry presents BBC Radio 4 Appeal

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

The return of the Floreana giant tortoise

Galapagos giant tortoises: An update from the field

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