Galápagos Islands

[guh-lah-puh-gohs, gah-lah-pah-gaws]

plural noun

1. an archipelago on the equator in the Pacific, about 600 miles (965 km) W of and belonging to Ecuador: many unique species of animal life. 3,029 sq. mi. (7,845 sq. km).

Galápagos Islands

/ ɡəˈlæpəɡəs, ɡaˈlapaɣɔs /

plural noun

1. Official Spanish name: Archipiélago de Colón. a group of 15 islands in the Pacific west of Ecuador, of which they form a province: discovered (1535) by the Spanish; main settlement on San Cristóbal. Pop: 18 640 (2001). Area: 7844 sq km (3028 sq miles)

Galápagos Islands

1. Groups of islands in the Pacific Ocean off South America, owned by Ecuador.

Charles Darwin visited these islands and gathered evidence that supported his theory of natural selection.

The islands are known for their tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas, and other unusual animals.