Here’s why the Galápagos’ ecosystem is one-of-a-kind

Here’s why the Galápagos’ ecosystem is one-of-a-kind

The Galápagos Islands have long been known to home an abundance of wildlife, with multiple species that are endemic to the islands.

The abundance of algae which feeds these species is connected to a pool of unusually cold water that is often found to the west of the islands.

A study has found the cold-pool upwelling is likely to be strongly influenced by highly localised interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean.



Every part of the Galápagos's exceptional and distinctive ecosystem can be traced back to its rich reserves of marine algae. Some animals feed on the microscopic plants directly, others, in turn, feast on them, and so on. Many unique species found only on the Pacific archipelago such as the famous marine iguanas or flightless cormorants, ultimately get their food from this algae.

The abundance of algae - technically microscopic plants known as phytoplankton - is a result of a pool of unusually cold water that is often found to the west of the islands. This cold pool is a result of an upwelling of nutrient-rich deep ocean waters, which is weakest during the hot wet season (December to May) and strongest during the dry Garúa season (May