Charles Darwin Trip around the World

Trip Around the World In December 1831, the British ship HMS Beagle set sail from England on a five-year trip around the world. On board was a 22 year old named Charles Darwin. Darwin was able to explore extensively in South America and numerous islands in the Pacific Ocean, including the Galapagos. While he was on the Galapagos Islands he came up with the theory of Natural Selection. A process in which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than others of the same species A process in which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than others of the same species

Trip around the World This is the five year route that Charles Darwin traveled while on the HMS Beagle

Galapagos Islands The islands are about 580 miles away from the coast of Ecuador. Phoenix to Salt Lake City

Galapagos Islands Darwin compared the organisms from the Galapagos Islands to the organisms from the mainland in South America. He noticed that many of the plants were similar but there were some important differences. Galapagos iguanas vs. mainland iguanas Differences between the islands in the Galapagos Islands. Dome-shaped tortoises vs. saddle shaped tortoises Finches beak shape Galapagos iguanas had larger claws to hold on to slippery rocks to feed on seaweed, mainland iguanas had smaller claws so they can climb trees

Adaptations The finches were well suited for the life it led. Short narrow beaks were better suited for eating bugs. Large strong beaks were for eating seeds. Beak shape is an example of an adaptation.

Adaptations Adaptations is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce. Some examples of an adaptation are: Fur (or lack of fur) Size Camouflage Behavior Flight (wings) Teeth (sharp or dull)

Adaptations Every animal has developed special characteristics that “customize” the animal to its environment. Over a period of generations, animals develop behaviors and physical characteristics that enhance their survival in their environment. All species are “adapted” to their environment. Animals also have physical adaptations to help them survive. This helps them maintain a constant internal environment (their body) while their outside environment is changing. This is called homeostasis.

Homeostasis Human example of homeostasis When you are hot, you sweat. Sweating cools your body down. When you are cold, you shiver. When you shiver your muscles rapidly contract and relax which produces heat. Some environments undergo extreme changes in temperature or other conditions during the year. Living things that live in such conditions have special responses that help them adjust.

Ectotherms and Endotherms Ectothermic Animals Ectotherms are commonly referred to as Cold blooded aniomals which can not regulate their body temperature Endothermic Animals Endotherms are commonly referred to as warm blooded which can regulate their bodies and keep them at a constant temperature