Galápagos penguins can only be found in the Galápagos Islands.
The Galápagos have three kinds of living things. Native species are found naturally here and elsewhere. The blue‑footed booby is a good example. Introduced species are not from here. People brought them to the islands. The goat is a good example. Endemic species are only found here.
The islands are isolated. So, many plants and animals are endemic. Strange things live here and only here. Lizards that swim. Giant tortoises. Meat‑eating centipedes. Blood‑sucking birds. Walking fish.
Galápagos penguins are the only penguins found north of the Equator. The cool waters carried them here.
leaning in to cool down
The blue‑footed booby can be found in the Pacific, from California to Peru and on the Galápagos Islands.
Galápagos penguins dive in the cold‑water currents to search for food. To manage hot temperatures on land, the penguins lean forward. This shades their feet from the sun. They stretch their flippers out. This releases body heat under their flippers.
Hidden in Plain Sight
The Galápagos hold new forms of life, like the hybrid iguana. It is found on only one island. A hybrid occurs when a male marine iguana mates with a female land iguana.
Liking Lava
The lava cactus is one of the first species to grow on new lava flows. It is only on six islands.
Pucker Up
This Galápagos red‑lipped batfish is odd. It can swim, but it uses its fins to walk, instead. And what’s with those red lips? Who knows?
