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Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 when he was twenty-six. Three years later his experiences there helped him to develop the most important biological theory in history- the theory of evolution. In 2008 a UW Exploration Seminar group will follow in Darwin’s footsteps on the Galapagos Islands to see first-hand the results of divergent evolution produced by one of the world’s best natural experiments. From there we will travel to Yanayacu biological field station in the tropical cloud forest to help researchers monitoring bird nests and surveying insect diversity. Next we’ll head to Papallacta, a field site located high in the Andes near natural hot springs, where scientists study patterns of evolution in songbirds. Our biological survey will conclude with a canoe trip along the Amazon in Yasuni Rainforest, an area considered to have the highest biodiversity on earth. All of our travel will be conducted with an emphasis on environmental responsibility. |
Galapagos
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The importance of the Galapagos Islands to biologists would be hard to overstate. They have a nearly sacred status due to many factors, including their role in the development of the theory of evolution, their high number of endemic species and the unusual lack of wariness that makes the native animals so easy to observe in their natural environment. The natural and cultural importance of the Galapagos lead to their designation as the first World Heritage site ever recognized by UNESCO. Additionally, ninety-seven percent of the islands are protected as National Park and 70,000 square kilometers of waters around the islands are protected as the world’s second largest marine reserve. The area is also a whale sanctuary and a biosphere reserve. Unfortunately, all the protection in the world can’t keep the Galapagos from suffering from threats like invasives and global climate change. In 2007, UNESCO added the Galapagos to their World Heritage in Danger list. Our visit to the Islands will not only provide an opportunity to study the marvels of this dynamic landscape but also support a sustainable ecotourism economy to help Galapagos protection. The seminar will start with a seven-day tour of the Galapagos Islands featuring close-up encounters with famous endemics like marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, sharks and sea lions. The tour also includes hikes in ancient lava beds and snorkeling in waters full of tropical fish. Readings and discussion will cover evolution, select excerpts of Darwin’s biography and the relationship of evolution to society throughout the last 150 years. We will also explore basic principles of sexual selection, speciation and biogeography to set the stage for the biological and geographical contrasts to come. |
Yanayacu - Montane Cloud Forest |
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Yanayacu Biological Station is located at 2,100 meters above sea level right at 0° latitude on the slope of Antisana Volcano. Land around the station supports 80% primary tropical cloud forest most of which is protected by National Preserves. Researchers at the station are busy with many ongoing field studies investigating the natural history of birds, insects and herptafauna across a massive altitudinal gradient. Animal species in the area include oncilla (small jaguar-like cats), spectacled bears and cecelians (a legless amphibian). In addition to guided tours of the local biota, we may have the opportunity to participate in nest monitoring and backlighting for insects at night. Accomodations at Yanayacu consist of simple bunkhouses and group meals with the researchers.
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Papallacta - High Andean Hot Springs |
High in the Andes, at around 3300 meters above sea level, the lower montane cloud forest gives way to shrubby moorland that supports many species of endemics very different from those on the coast or in the tropical forests. We will take advantage of Ecuador’s vast geographical diversity to contrast biota in this high montane area with that found at lower elevations. Readings and discussions will cover the biogeographical principles that help explain global patterns of species diversity. Field excursions will provide opportunities to survey the biota with a local guide and observe ongoing evolutionary research first hand. The area around Papallacta resort has been a site on ongoing research into evolution along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients for many years. While at Papallacta we will stay in cabins at the ecologically responsible resort and enjoy the naturally occurring hotsprings that are renowned for their restorative properties. |
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Yasuni - Amazon Rainforest |
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The Yasuni Biosphere Reserve in the western equatorial Amazon is generally considered to host the highest biodiversity on earth. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife. Animals native to this rainforest include 12 species of primates, jaguars, tapirs, dolphins, and well over 500 species of birds. The plant diversity is even higher. For example tree species alone number more than 1500. Yasuni is also still a site of active research where new species are identified regularly. During our visit we will stay at Tiputini Biodiversity Station, an ecologically conscious facility surrounded by virgin rainforest and run by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Boston College. Ecuadorian guides will lead us on tours of the flora and fauna including a canoe tour of the Amazon. Readings and discussions during this phase of the seminar will focus on the forces contributing to and threatening biodiversity. |
COURSE MATERIAL: Throughout the trip of Ecuador readings, lectures and discussions will focus on the theory of evolution in variety of contexts including history of biology, biogeography, modern medicine, psychology, education and policy. Questions to be addressed through the course are why Ecuador hosts such amazing biodiversity and what can be done protect it. Each leg of the journey will include natural history tours and interactions with biologists conducting field research in the different sites. Readings and discussions throughout the seminar will also focus on relationships between science and society. Topics will include contributions of evolutionary theory to medicine, ethno botany, challenges of teaching evolution, and theories from evolutionary psychology about human social relations. Credits will apply toward the 15 400-level elective credits required for all students to complete the major. The trip will end in Quito where students will visit museums and take an Ecuadorian cooking class to learn more about the history and culture of Ecuador. Dates: August 25- September 15, 2008 Program fee: $3700 per student Fee covers five upper level biology credits, room, most meals, all in-country travel including the seven day tour of the Galapagos, natural history tours, museum admission, cooking class, taxis, course reading materials, and administrative costs. Students will be responsible for their own airfare to and from Quito, immunizations and travel insurance. The relatively high cost of the seminar is due to the fact that tourism in the Galapagos is tightly regulated and expensive and to the large amount of in-country travel required to reach our multiple destinations. Every effort has been made to keep costs low in all aspects of the seminar without compromising safety or the quality of the experience. For more information please contact Lisa Hayward at lhayward@u.washington.edu |
