Ecology In The Galapagos Islands
By: Allyson Jugloff & Sarah Incretolli Course: SBI 4U
Due: October 13th 2015
Populations Lab Study: Ecology in the Galapagos Islands
1. Galapagos tortoises “have a dramatic role in the ecosystem function through herbivory, trampling and seed dispersal” (Blake, S., 2012). Since tortoises are herbivores, they stomp and trample on vegetation grounds. Trampling allows tortoises to open up new places for vegetation to grow on the ground (Discovering Galapagos). Tortoises also play an important role in seed germination for many species such as: the Manchineel tree, the Opuntia echios cactus and fruits including guava and passion fruits. Their large body size makes them take longer to digest which means the seeds will travel a longer distance and will be …show more content…
With the help of many non-profit organizations supporting the Galapagos tortoise, my partner and I believe that many good actions have taken place towards the protection of the Galapagos tortoise. We think that the donation of money and raising awareness about threats towards the tortoises will help protect the tortoises living in the Galapagos. We also believe that these conservation groups should continue to focus on and discover more ways to help protect their habitats, by limiting the amount of tourist activity/people living in the Galapagos. We also think that it is important for the authorities to try to make sure that there are no live animals or insects coming to the country. This will ensure that there are no new species that will compete with the tortoises for food or harm there eggs. It will also ensure that no incidents, such as the spread of Malaria between tortoises in 2009, happen
By: Allyson Jugloff & Sarah Incretolli Course: SBI 4U
Due: October 13th 2015
Populations Lab Study: Ecology in the Galapagos Islands
1. Galapagos tortoises “have a dramatic role in the ecosystem function through herbivory, trampling and seed dispersal” (Blake, S., 2012). Since tortoises are herbivores, they stomp and trample on vegetation grounds. Trampling allows tortoises to open up new places for vegetation to grow on the ground (Discovering Galapagos). Tortoises also play an important role in seed germination for many species such as: the Manchineel tree, the Opuntia echios cactus and fruits including guava and passion fruits. Their large body size makes them take longer to digest which means the seeds will travel a longer distance and will be …show more content…
With the help of many non-profit organizations supporting the Galapagos tortoise, my partner and I believe that many good actions have taken place towards the protection of the Galapagos tortoise. We think that the donation of money and raising awareness about threats towards the tortoises will help protect the tortoises living in the Galapagos. We also believe that these conservation groups should continue to focus on and discover more ways to help protect their habitats, by limiting the amount of tourist activity/people living in the Galapagos. We also think that it is important for the authorities to try to make sure that there are no live animals or insects coming to the country. This will ensure that there are no new species that will compete with the tortoises for food or harm there eggs. It will also ensure that no incidents, such as the spread of Malaria between tortoises in 2009, happen