Ga·lá·pa·gos Islands (g -lä p-gs, -l p-) A group of volcanic islands lying along the equator in the Pacific Ocean west of the mainland of Ecuador. The islands are famous for their rare species of fauna, including the giant tortoises for which they are named. Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835 and collected a wealth of scientific data that contributed to his theory of natural selection. Tourism is now strictly regulated to protect the endangered species unknown outside the archipelago. |
Galápagos Islands [gəˈlæpəgəs (Spanish) gaˈlapaγɔs]
pl n
(Placename) a group of 15 islands in the Pacific west of Ecuador, of which they form a province: discovered (1535) by the Spanish; main settlement on San Cristóbal. Pop.: 17 000 (2000 est.). Area: 7844 sq. km (3028 sq. miles) Official Spanish name Archipiélago de Colón
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