Close How did the Galapagos Islands, a region that looks like an 'okay" area to inhabit, have so many unique ecological habitats? (Photo : Photo by Amy Perez on Unsplash) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador The Galapagos is an eastern pacific archipelago globally recognized for being such an iconic biological hotspot. It is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of unique endemic species, making it one of UNESCO's (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) heavily protected heritage sites and marine biological reserves. It is the area's affluent ecological state that inspired Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. When the theorist was hitting a low in his life, his journey to the Galapagos sparked an ember in him to study the nature of life.