Galápagos Documentary Worksheet

What is the primary reason Galápagos islands are unique in terms of wildlife?

• They are part of a large continent

• They are close to the equator

• Species here have adapted dramatically to isolated and harsh environments

• They have rich soil and abundant rain

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How did the ancestors of marine iguanas likely arrive at the Galápagos?

• Flew from nearby islands

• Traveled on boats with humans

• Were swept out to sea on rafts of vegetation

• Migrated during ice ages

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What major adaptation allows marine iguanas to feed underwater?

• Gills for breathing underwater

• Sharp claws and strong lungs to dive and cling to rocks

• Long necks to reach deep into the ocean

• Fins and flippers for fast swimming

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What plant plays a crucial role in the moist forests of middle-aged islands like Santa Cruz?

• Cactus

• Mangrove

• Scalesia (giant dandelion)

• Fern

What is El Niño’s impact on marine iguanas?

• It increases their breeding rate

• It improves their access to food

• It causes a massive food shortage and leads to starvation

• It makes the sea warmer and easier to swim in

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What physical adaptations help marine iguanas survive the cold water during feeding?

• Thick blubber and webbed feet

• Dark skin to absorb heat and slow metabolism

• Gills for underwater breathing

• Long tongues for catching prey

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How does the Scalesia plant help support a forest ecosystem in the absence of groundwater?

• By storing water in its tissues and releasing it slowly

• By increasing the rate of evaporation

• By preventing other plants from growing

• By absorbing all available sunlight

Many underground species in the Galápagos caves are blind or colorless because:

• they do not need eyesight or pigmentation in the dark environment

• they are exposed to too much sunlight

• they have a different diet

• they migrate frequently

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What unusual ability do marine iguanas have that helps them survive during times of extreme food scarcity?

• They can shrink their body size.

• They can fly to new locations.

• They can hibernate underwater.

• They can change color to blend in.

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The Galápagos islands evolve over time from their volcanic birth to old age by:

• Forming from underwater volcanoes, gradually building up, developing unique ecosystems, and eventually eroding and sinking.

• Being formed by continental drift, remaining unchanged, and then disappearing suddenly.

• Emerging due to earthquakes, staying the same, and then breaking apart due to storms.

• Appearing from coral reefs, growing larger, and then turning into deserts.

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