Page 67 - Up_and_Aware_Class_7

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CHAPTER Celebrating UP AND AWARE - 7

Diversity—Places

(Critical Thinking)

Quote Unquote

‘For those who have seen the Earth from space, and for the hundreds and perhaps
thousands more who will, the experience most certainly changes your perspective. The
things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us.’

—Donald Williams

Beginning:

The 20 Galapagos Islands off the coast of South America were discovered

by Charles Darwin. These magnificent ecosystems are probably one of
the most unique and diverse places in the world. Not only because these
islands are home to some of the most unique plants and animals but
also because they give us an idea of what the planet was like before the

domination by humans.

These wonderland islands hold 50 endemic (found only in a particular
place) species of fish and 28 endemic species of birds, unique tortoises,
marine iguanas, sea lions, and the world’s only tropical penguins. In fact,
the Galapagos tortoise is the largest living tortoise on earth.

Nowhere else on earth can four different ecosystems be found in a single

place—arid lowlands and cacti forests, subtropical forests, dense forests
at high elevations, and treeless areas with grass and ferns. The Galapagos
Islands are volcanic and some are believed to be 3 million years old! New
islands emerge from beneath the sea and the youngest of the islands is
estimated to be 800,000 years old.

These islands are a paradise of natural wonder and while many
humans have celebrated their diversity by protecting them, several settlers
have destroyed them by bringing in animals like dogs, rats and goats
along with tourism.

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