M. Stevenson
Saddleback Community College
Speech - Instructor Smith
The Galapagos Islands: Our best opportunity to learn about life, and how it began.
I. Describe the diversity of life forms found in the area. A. Reptiles – accidental relocation 1. Snakes 2. Tortoises 3. Marine Iguanas B. Mammals – accidental relocation as well as brought by humans 1. (Goats, Pigs, Dogs, Donkeys, Cows) C. Birds – flew from other locations 1. 58 species of birds in the Galapagos, 28 endemic 2. Blue-footed Boobys, Flamingos, Galapagos Penguin, Darwin’s Finches 3. Elegant Waved Albatross - rarest birds on Earth; only nests here
II. Describe the biological interrelationships among the life forms in the area. A. Island of Fernandina; only island on Earth not afflicted with invasive species B. Symbiotic C. Evolution
III. The human intrusions threatening the area. A. Destroying wildlife habitat – Introducing new animals B. Population growth - Government subsidies – C. Pollution - trash
IV. The protections that exist to safeguard and preserve the area. A. Regulations - restrict work on and migration to the Galapagos Islands B. Conservatory - Conservation efforts (educational programs) C. Exclusion of commercial fishing
V. The efforts that have been made to further this preservation. A. Political Activism B. Galapagos - competing - New Seven Wonder of Nature C. Eradication of introduced species
VI. What an individual can do to help preserve the diversity of the area. A. Boycott - Products made from Galapagos animals B. Conservation Projects 1. Donations 2. Tourism revenue - $180 million annually C. Local Government – Spread knowledge – Follow rules when visiting
Conclusion The Galapagos Islands
References: Galapagos Online. (nd). Galapagos Conservation and Preservation Retrieved August 12th, 2009 from, Retrieved July 14th, 2009, from http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/lifelist-galapagos.html Watkins, G., and Cruz, F. (2007). Galapagos At Risk: Socioeconomic Analysis. “Galapagos Islands,” Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2009 Retrieved July 14th, 2009, from Retrieved July 14th, 2009, from http://wwf.worldwildlife.org/site/PageServer?pagename=can_results_galapagos