Photo: South Plazas Island, Galapagos

The result of a geologic phenomenon known as hot spot volcanism, the Galapagos Islands are home to one of the most unique and diverse assemblages of native species in the world. The means by which terrestrial animals such as the Galapagos Tortoise and iguanas (as in this photo) originally arrived on the archipelago remains a mystery, but arguably the most fascinating story are the ways that these animals have adapted to the environment of these islands.

In this case, land iguanas have evolved traits (sharp claws) that enable them to feed on the pads and blossoms of the opuntia cactus.