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Page last updated at 08:45 GMT, Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Darwin's Galapagos

The incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands was key to shaping Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Two hundred years on from the birth of Darwin, BBC science correspondent David Shukman visits the archipelago.

Use the map below to move around three of the main islands. Click on the icons to see how the wildlife and landscape informed the scientist's great discoveries.

Up close with the marine iguanas

David Shukman takes a look at one of the strangest creatures in the Galapagos Islands - the marine iguana.

Meet the world's rarest tortoise

Lonesome George has been described as the world's rarest creature - he is the last remaining survivor of a subspecies of giant tortoise.

Saving the tortoises of the Galapagos

Since the 17th Century, populations of giant tortoises have declined dramatically. But the Charles Darwin Research Station has used captive-breeding programmes to boost numbers, and over the past few decades thousands have been released back into the wild.

Tourism shifts from sea to land

In the 1960s, tourism was mostly ship-based - visitors would stay onboard and alight at sightseeing spots of choice. But there has since been a huge growth in air traffic, and many people now make Santa Cruz their base. Conservationists are worried about the impact this will have on the island.

All this week, BBC News will be reporting from the Galapagos Islands.

Text by David Shukman, photographs by Mark Georgiou and video by Rob Magee

Related Darwin links from the BBC

Darwin season 2009

World class: Schools contact the Galapagos

BBC History: Charles Darwin

More on Darwin from around the web

Galapagos Conservation Trust

Charles Darwin Foundation

Galapagos Islands (WHC)

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Darwin Online