The Galapagos Tortoise: Is it Truly a Missing Link?

Have you heard about the famous 19^th century explorer, named Charles Darwin (Sulloway, unknown)? It was his "Theory of Natural Selection" that first discussed "Adaptive Radiation" (Sulloway, Unknown). He believed the species grew larger or different based on his exploration of the Galapagos Islands. These isolated islands and their unique animals are believed to demonstrate the history of evolution. As each animal experiences a new habitat, they begin adapting to their surroundings.

Also, he believed that these animals were living, long before man ever existed and can give the scientist clues to our creation. The "Theory of Natural Selection" (Sulloway, Unknown) raises more question than answers, yet no one has discovered the truth about man's creation. Some believe that man learned to adapt in many habitats and grew in to the intelligent creatures that are seen today. However, not all scientist or people believe this theory and have tried to come up with their own theories.

Have you ever seen a Galapagos tortoise, which can be found in the Ecuadorian coast near South America? When Charles Darwin saw the size of these animals, he became astounded with their ability to adapt and grow so large. He began investigating, in order to find out why the animals were growing so large in this part of the world. He believed that natural selection played a part, in understanding how life began and has evolved over the years.

These finches and gigantic tortoises were considered to be "adaptable", even in "habitats that are different" (Sulloway, Unknown). The ability to adapt has allowed the "giant tortoises" to "live about 150 years" (Galapagos Online, 2004). Of the "14 known species" (GalapagosOnline, 2004) of tortoises, each one has differences that set them apart from the others. Some say that these tortoises existed, long before man ever did. Also, he believed that the volcanoes in the region may have pressured the animals in this region, to be more versatile.

He called this pressure "adaptive radiation" (Sulloway, Unknown), which is primarily used to explain how the same animal can grow and look different in certain habitats. So far, this hot debate has continued for centuries and probably will continue to be a topic that many people disagree on. However, each person can visit the islands and draw their own conclusions about this theory. Either way, they must admit that the animals found there, are quite unique in their own special way.

However, his "Theory of Evolution" (Sulloway, Unknown), was based on what he found living on these unique islands. Some people totally disagree with his theory, due to the strong belief in religious creation stories that is found in their religious works. But, there are many scientists that disagree with Darwin's natural selection theory, because no one has disproved it yet. Tourists are allowed to visit the isolated islands, in order to witness what may be our link to discovering the truth about their own creation.

The animal life living on the island is undisturbed, because of strict rules for tourism that exist on the island. Maybe, one day soon, scientists can either prove or disprove Darwin's famous theory. But, until then scientist must consider that his theory might be correct. Plus, we must try to preserve the habitat that allows the animals to grow so large. Therefore, future generations can witness the same animal that sparked this heated debate.

As modern technology grows, maybe scientists can finally understand exactly what has allowed these animals grow so large. Are the animals a "missing link to our past" (GalapagosOnline, 2004) and is there a logical explanation to the massive growth? Either way, every scientist must admit that the unique life found on the Galapagos Islands is worth studying in the future. Therefore, scientist can investigate and discover, whether Charles Darwin's theory of adaptive radiation is correct or not.

References:

Galapagos Online(2004) Giant Tortoises of Galapagos Islands
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on August 28, 2007
http://www.galapagosonline.com/nathistory/wildlife/animals/tortoise.htm

Sulloway, F., (Unknown) Darwin and His Finches: The Evolution of a Legend
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on August 28, 2007
http://www.sulloway.org/Finches.pdf