The Galapagos Islands are famous for inspiring Charles Darwin to form his Theory of Evolution based on the biodiversity he'd observed there. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of his "On the origin of species", and the unspoilt islands still fascinate researchers. Some of the plants and animals that live here are found nowhere else on Earth. Today that biodiversity is under threat from an increasing population, tourism and invasive non-native species. The video tracks on this album retraces Darwin's first steps on the Galapagos islands, looks at some of the species that fascinated him, and at how threats to the environment are being managed. It also follows the day-to-day research of two biological scientists - Beatrix Schramm, who tries to get a faecal sample from a Giant Tortoise to learn more about what triggers them to mate, and Martin Wikelski who studies marine iguanas and the problems they face as a result of their choice of food. In the audio track, Open University biologist David Robinson talks about his long relationship with the Galapagos Islands and explores some of the issues raised in the video tracks.
Transcript -- A short introduction to this album.
An Introduction to the Galapagos and Darwin's first experience on the islands on 8th October 1835.
Transcript -- An Introduction to the Galapagos and Darwin's first experience on the islands on 8th October 1835.
Darwin's study of the evolution of finches on the islands.
Transcript -- Darwin's study of the evolution of finches on the islands.
How the iguanas have evolved as swimmers to eat seaweed.
Transcript -- How the iguanas have evolved as swimmers to eat seaweed.
Why 50,000 goats had to be culled due to their effect on the tortoise population
Transcript -- Why 50,000 goats had to be culled due to their effect on the tortoise population
A look at the Galapagos Islands' relationship with tourists and conservation.
Transcript -- A look at the Galapagos Islands' relationship with tourists and conservation.
How the non-native red quinine plant is a nuisance in the Galapagos, and its eradication programme.
Transcript -- How the non-native red quinine plant is a nuisance in the Galapagos, and its eradication programme.
On the Galapagos, animals are unafraid of predators, so they're easy for scientists to observe
Transcript -- On the Galapagos, animals are unafraid of predators, so they're easy for scientists to observe
As home to more than 10% of the world's iguanas, it's the best place for researchers to study them.
Transcript -- As home to more than 10% of the world's iguanas, it's the best place for researchers to study them.
Transcript -- Setting up a laboratory to study the iguanas.
Collecting hormones from faeces for research into mating behaviour of the giant tortoise.
Transcript -- Collecting hormones from faeces for research into mating behaviour of the giant tortoise.
How to catch and measure the stamina and speed of a marine iguana, and how to get a blood sample from a Giant Tortoise
Transcript -- How to catch and measure the stamina and speed of a marine iguana, and how to get a blood sample from a Giant Tortoise
Transcript -- Analysing the contents of an iguana stomach .
Using an ultrasound recorder i to see the tortoise's eggs in their annual sexual cycle.
Transcript -- Using an ultrasound recorder i to see the tortoise's eggs in their annual sexual cycle.
Using radio transmitters under the skin to understand iguana behaviour.
Transcript -- Using radio transmitters under the skin to understand iguana behaviour.
Open University biologist David Robinson talks about his long relationship with the Galapagos Islands and explores some of the issues raised in the video tracks.
Transcript -- Open University biologist David Robinson talks about his long relationship with the Galapagos Islands and explores some of the issues raised in the video tracks.
The research process involved in the study of marine iguanas and giant tortoises in the Galapagos.
Transcript -- The research process involved in the study of marine iguanas and giant tortoises in the Galapagos.
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