Galapagos Islands Comprehension Worksheet
Galápagos Islands Explorer
Reading Passage & Comprehension Check
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Informational Text: The Enchanted Archipelago
Lexile / Grade 6-8
The Galápagos Islands are famous because of the scientist Charles Darwin. After studying the plants and animals on the islands in the 1800s, Darwin developed his theory of evolution. The theory, which explains how living things change over time, changed the science of biology forever. Darwin was not the first person to see the Galápagos Islands, but they were not a common destination before his visit. They are so far from other land that they are sometimes called “world’s end.”
Geography
The Galápagos consist of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands, and many islets. They lie along the Equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean, 600 miles (1,000 km) west of Ecuador, spanning 23,000 sq miles. Formed by active volcanoes, the landscape includes mountains, craters, and cliffs with sparse rainfall and cool temperatures.
Wildlife
Due to isolation, plant and animal life is very unusual. Cactus forests flourish in dry lowlands, whereas uplands are covered in moist ferns and mosses. Spanish explorers named the islands for giant tortoises (galápago means tortoise), which can live up to 150 years. Rare marine iguanas feed on seaweed.
Society & Economy
The islands belong to Ecuador. Most residents are Ecuadorans living on the larger islands, while many islands have no people. The island of Baltra has a military base. Tourism, fishing, and agriculture are the main parts of the economy, serving a population of 25,124 (2010 census).
Part 1
Historical Significance & Geography (Questions 1–3)
1
Why are the Galápagos Islands sometimes called “world’s end”? Cite the geographic explanation given in the text.
2
Which scientist made the Galápagos famous after his visit in the 1800s, and what monumental theory did he develop that transformed biology?
3
How were the Galápagos Islands formed geologically, and what are three prominent physical landscape features described in the passage?
Galápagos Islands Comprehension Assessment Continue to Page 2 (Questions 4–10) →
Galápagos Islands Explorer
Part 2: Ecosystems, Wildlife & Society (Questions 4–10)
Page 2 of 2
4
Where are the Galápagos Islands located relative to Ecuador and the Equator?
A 600 miles east of Ecuador in the Atlantic Ocean
B Along the Equator, 600 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific
C In the Caribbean Sea along South America's northern coast
D 1,000 kilometers south of Chile near Antarctica
5
Contrast the plant life of the dry lowlands with that of the uplands. Name the key plants found in each zone:
Dry Lowlands:
Uplands:
6
What is the meaning of the Spanish word galápago, and what remarkable fact about the giant tortoises is highlighted in the text?
7
What rare reptile lives on the Galápagos Islands, and what unusual diet does it consume?
8
Which country owns the Galápagos Islands, and where do most of the people live?
9
What facility is located on the island of Baltra?
10
What are the three main parts of the economy in the Galápagos Islands?
Industry 1
Industry 2
Industry 3
Explorer Self-Check: Did you verify your answers using direct evidence from the passage?
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