Wildermuth1

**The Galápagos Islands didn’t become part of Ecuador until 1832. They were discovered in 1535 by Tomas Berlanga. They are located 1,000 kilometers off the coast and were volcanically formed. There are 13 main islands and 6 smaller ones, and 107 tiny ones (Geography of Ecuador). In total these islands cover about 8,000 square kilometers ((Explore Galapagos). Five of these islands are populated with a total of about 18,000 people (Explore Galapagos). In 1959 Ecuador made 97% of the islands national parks. The islands have some of the most biodiversity in the planet. The animals that inhabit these islands are fearless because there are no natural predators. The plants are rare and beautiful (Explore Galapagos). Today the islands face hardships as the population rapidly increases. Plant and animal life are threatened and natural beauty is being destroyed.**
 * The Galapagos Islands **

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