What’s “Natural” on the Galapagos Islands?

Humans have controlled and, at times, eliminated animal populations on the islands.

In geologic years, the Galapagos Islands are infants. Located on the perpetually moving Nazca tectonic plate, the islands were formed through repeated volcanic activity. Layer by layer, the islands have risen off the ocean floor, forming a chain that is approximately five million years old.

Find out more in this video written by David Bernstein and narrated by Nicholas Breyfogle. 

Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Audio production by Paul Kotheimer, College of Arts & Sciences Academic Technology Services. The Origins' editorial team includes Editors Nicholas Breyfogle, Steven Conn and David Steigerwald; Managing Editors Lauren Henry, Sarah Paxton and Brionna Mendoza; Associate Editor: Kristin Osborne

We thank the Stanton Foundation for their funding of this and other Origins projects.