![]() Once the tortoises spread around the archipelago, they evolved on their isolated islands into the different races we see today, some with domed carapaces (shells), and others with saddleback carapaces. This is due to a phenomenon seen in many island ecosystems where gigantism evolves because there is no longer any need to hide from predators and because there are no other similar animals to compete with for food. The original ancestor of the tortoises was probably of normal size and evolved into the present-day giants after its arrival in Galapagos. Only a single pregnant female or one male and one female needed to arrive in this way, and then survive, for Galapagos to be colonised. Although this seems an incredible journey, it is known that Galapagos Tortoises can float easily in sea water. It is likely that all the present races of Giant Tortoise evolved in Galapagos from a common ancestor that arrived from the mainland, floating on the ocean currents. Lonesome George became a symbol of the Galapagos Islands, and will not be forgotten. Scientists have estimated that he was about 100 years old. It is very sad to inform you that today, 26th June 2012, Staff at the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador announce that Lonesome George, the giant tortoise believed to be the last of its subspecies, has died. Previously he lived on Pinta Island, but is presently kept at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Only one male, Lonesome George, of the four extinct races exists. The Giant Tortoises are thought to belong to just one species, Geochelone elephantopus, with 14 different races or sub-species, four of which are believed to be extinct. ![]() The Galapagos Giant Tortoise can live for more than 100 years, the oldest recorded tortoise being 152 years old. In general, they are the longest living of all vertebrates (animals with backbones). The Galapagos Giant Tortoise can grow to be 5 feet tall this makes them the largest tortoises in the world. Galapagos Giant Tortoises keep growing until they are about 40 – 50 years old and can reach a weight of 500 pounds. The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is probably the best well known animal of the Galapagos Isles.
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