Galápagos Islands explained to kids

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, about 906 km (563 mi) west of continental Ecuador. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a subtropical climate, but temperatures vary due to the moderating effect of the ocean. The archipelago is known for its large number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin during the second voyage of HMS Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. The first recorded sighting of the islands was by Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panamá, in 1535. Berlanga was sailing from Panama to Peru when he was blown off course by a storm and ended up in the area now known as the Galápagos. The islands were initially uninhabited, and were often used as a base by pirates and whalers. The first attempt at colonizing the islands was made in 1793 by the French, but this was unsuccessful. The islands were officially annexed by Ecuador in 1832. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the archipelago was frequently visited by scientists and naturalists from around the world. Their observations and collections contributed significantly to the understanding of the islands' natural history. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government established the Galápagos National Park, which now covers about 8% of the archipelago's land area. The park is a World Heritage Site, and tourism is strictly regulated. The Galápagos Islands are home to a great diversity of plant and animal life. Much of this diversity is found nowhere else on Earth. The islands are also famous for their giant tortoises, which can live to over 100 years old.