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Galapagos

Galapagos -  Islands That Changed The World

7:30pm Sunday, 19 Oct 2008  Nature   CC G High Definition 

When Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands on 15 September 1835, his experiences and studies of the unique environment would change the world's understanding of life on earth. With dramatic reconstruction and stunning wildlife images, Galápagos explores the hidden side of the islands, revealing why, more than any other place, they are a showcase for evolution.

Through their movement on continental plates, they have spread into a group of islands each with its own character, ocean currents and climate. Life on the islands has been forced to adapt to change or die.

Tortoises' shells have changed shape to fit the island they inhabit; flowers have become yellow to attract the only bee that made it to the Galápagos Islands; finches have turned into warblers; and cormorants have lost the power of flight - trading it for streamlining and a magical life searching for fish in the sparkling Galápagos waters.

But not all life here is confined to the Galápagos. Frigate birds come from miles around, sperm whales visit the waters to breed and human visitors also come to see the environment that changed the course of history.

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Also showing on ABC
Forces Of Change - 7:30pm Sunday, October 26

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