Overview

The Gal�pagos giant tortoise is a symbol of the unique biodiversity of the Gal�pagos Islands, an emblematic species known for its impressive size and longevity. These majestic creatures boast a large, dome-shaped shell, which varies slightly in shape and size among the different species found across the islands. Typically, their carapaces are thick and bony, offering protection from predators and environmental hazards. Their skin is thick and rugged, with prominent scales on their legs, which are stout and strong, designed to support their massive bodies. The tortoises' limbs are well-adapted to moving over rough terrain, while their short, sturdy feet have a distinct elephantine appearance. Their heads are large and slightly elongated, with a pair of small, beady eyes that provide a gentle gaze. Surrounding the mouth, their skin is somewhat softer, housing a beak-like mouth adapted for grazing on grasses, leaves, and cacti-their primary food sources. Gal�pagos giant tortoises exhibit a range of shell shapes, including some that are saddle-backed, allowing them to stretch their necks higher to reach vegetation. This variation in shell shape has been a classic example of adaptive evolution, influenced by the differences in habitat across the islands. Adults can weigh over 400 kilograms (880 pounds) and measure more than 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length, making them the largest tortoises in the world. They are known for their slow movement, deliberate and unhurried, which, along with their impressive lifespan-often over 100 years-embodies a sense of timelessness and resilience.

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