Discovering the Galapagos

The Galapagos sparked our understanding of evolution and adaptation 175 years ago. Now, with marine ecologist and National Geographic Explorer Alex Hearn as an expert guide, discover the Galapagos anew as we go on assignment to explore the groundbreaking science that’s happening with Darwin’s finches, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and other remarkable wildlife on these islands. 

This National Geographic Live is a journey through the remarkable natural history of the Galapagos Islands, beginning with Charles Darwin’s arrival on September 15, 1835, aboard the HMS Beagle. His observations of the islands’ unique, untouched ecosystems laid the foundation for his theory of evolution, and the islands remain a true evolutionary wonderland, where each island is home to distinct species that have evolved in isolation, untouched by humanity.

Alex Hearn is a marine ecologist who studies whale shark migrations around the Galapagos Islands. Hearn is a professor at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the Galapagos Science Center. He is also a founding member of the regional research network MigraMar and was named co-champion of the Mission Blue Galapagos Hope Spot in 2020.