^ 





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SYMBOLIC of the Galapagos are the 

 exotic fork-toiled gull and the giant tor- 

 toise. These two natives of the archipel- 

 ago figured in early history of the is- 

 lands. While the gulls Creagus lurcatus, 

 persist and seem likely to survive fierce 

 competition for existence, the giant Ga- 

 lapagos are all but extinct for they have 

 been the prey of man for more than 400 

 years. Early Spanish explorers named 

 the archipelago after the immense tor- 

 toises which provided famished sailors 

 with a welcome food supply. Herbivo- 

 rous reptiles, the tortoises lived on land 

 and were easily captured. Thousands 

 were taken by greedy mariners. Differ- 

 ent species are known from different 

 islands. 



