1. The Galapagos Islands By: Rosalía Rascón es Islas Galápagos

2. VEGETATION The vegetation is very scant due the lack of soil fertility Nature, important metamorphosis on several Islands converted erupted matter soil Majority of the Islands have a definite elevation above the sea level Variety of flowers and fruits Beneficial changes does not occur in all the islands two classes: islands of high elevation and islands of low elevation high elevation most important are: Isabela, Fernandina, Santa María, Santa Cruz, and San Salvador Low elevation are: Pinta, Marchela, Genovesa, Rabida, Pinzón, Santa Fé and Española

3. Terrestrial Ecosystems...

4. Equatorial and Tropical Rain Forest

5. CLIMATE Different temperatures influence by the vegetation and the surrounding water on the land two stations cold from June to November Temperature 17-22 C˚ an environment cold and dry The rainy season called spring from December to May with 23-37 C ˚ Arid to very dry 100m over the sea level 23 C˚

6. ITCZ

7. Biomes

8. Are you Ready for the Adventure?. Caiman Caiman OrquídeaOrquídea

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10. When you travel to Galapagos: The only way you can get to Galapagos is by air plane or boat!! Make sure you wear hiking boots and clothes according to the weather!!

11. Ecuador Adventure La Sierra (the highlands) Climate and Vegetation by:Rebecca Bradley

12. La Sierra Consists of 2 major chains of the Andes’ mountains, and the intermontane basin between them. 22 peaks over 4200m in height. 30 peaks of volcanic origin-6 still active. Most of the rivers rise (snowmelt and rain) in this region and flow east toward the Amazon or west to the Pacific.

13. The central belt of Ecuador Outline Climate and Vegetation Attractions Disturbances Concerns/Dangers What to bring

14. Map of La Sierra

15. Climate Insolation: Ecuador lies on the equator receiving almost vertical sun. Temperature: based on elevation –Tropical level 400-1,800m ranges from 20-25 degrees C. –Subtropical level 1,800-2,500m ranges from 15-20 degrees C. –Temperate level 2,500-3,200m ranges from 10-15 degrees C. –Temperate zone to 4,600m ranges from 3-9 degrees C. –Above 4,600m “frozen level” ranges from below 0-3 degrees C.

16. Climate cont. Precipitation: Rainfall is abundant-varies on location. Highest precipitation on exposed locations at lower altitudes. –“Winter” or rainy season, lasts from Jan.-June. –The dry season, lasts July-Dec. Short rainy period in October. Tropical level Subtropical level Temperate level Temperate zone to 4,600m Above 4,600m

17. Vegetation Semi-deciduous Lowland rainforest Lower montane forest Upper montane Grassland and quebrada Above 4,000m

18. Attractions Natural diversity Mountain lakes Active volcanoes Cloud forests Waterfalls and Rivers Hotsprings La Sierra or the Highlands is Ecuador’s most visited region in the area and has the most developed tourist industry. **(backpacker’s $3 per night hostel)

19. Disturbances Volcanoes Earthquakes-frequent landslides (montane forests) Mudslides and Avalanches Deforestation Lightening induced fires (dry months) Grass pa’ramos burned annually Introduction of non-native species (aloe-vera, pines, rice, sugar cane, eucalyptus, etc…) Depletion of native species (Quinine-malaria).

20. Concerns/Dangers Use common sense-don’t expose valuables and always carry a copy of passport. Snakes/insects (Malaria) Dangers associated with climbing, kayaking and biking. Vaccinations

21. What to bring Safety equipment for climbing, biking and or kayaking Insect repellent/Sun screen Appropriate gear for rain, snow and sun depending on location. Extra socks and hiking shoes for excursions. Medications

22. El Oriente Lisa Chase Adventure Ecuador See The Beautyof the Equitorial latitudes

23. Amazon Basin (2%) and Eastern Andean Foothills Just under 1/2 the total surface area Under 5% of population El Oriente

24. Latitude - straddles equator –Not seasonal –Relatively consistent temperatures averages 25  C or 77  F year round –ITCZ Regular rain Topography –Orographic rain from Trade Winds on the Eastern Slope of the Andes Equatorial Low Pressure in Action Climate

25. Incredibly diverse vegetation Tropical broadleaf forest Thousands of species of plants –Trees –Lianas –Epiphytes Tropical rainforest “La Selva” Unique and Rich Biodiversity 20% mainland plants are endemic

26. An underprotected and underappreciated resource Trees > 30 m Medicinal plants Our favorite foods

27. Breathtaking biodiversity Half of Ecuador’s mammals live in El Oriente Nearly half the world’s bird species can be found in Ecuador

28. Biodiversity “ hot spot”!!!

29. Promote Ecotourism Kayak Ecuador!

30. Be prepared for… Rain! Pack raingear, fast-drying clothes and extra socks Illnesses carried by mosquitoes -bring insect repellent Intense insolation -Bring sun protection Waterborne illnesses -Don’t drink untreated water

31. Visit Ecuador! Range of biomes from Tropical Rainforest of the Amazon Basin to the Highlands of the Andes Various landscapes Volcanoes, waterfalls, islands Incredible Biodiversity 3 biodiversity “hot spots” in Ecuador