Evolution and Conservation in Galápagos

Carta Details | Photos from past years

ANTHRO 10SC/HUMBIO 17SC

The tiny remote islands of Galápagos have played a central role in the study of evolution. Not surprisingly, they have also been important to theory and practice in biodiversity conservation. The fascinating adaptations of organisms to the unusual, isolated ecosystems of the archipelago have left them particularly vulnerable to perturbations and introductions from the outside. Drawing on lessons learned from Darwin's time to the present, this seminar explores evolution, conservation, and their connection among the habitats and organisms of Galápagos. Using case-study material on tortoises, iguanas, finches, Scalesia plants, penguins, cormorants and more, we will explore current theory and debate about adaptation, speciation, adaptive radiation, sexual selection, and other topics in evolution. Similarly, we will explore the special challenges Galápagos poses today for conservation, owing to both its unusual biota and to the increasing impact of human activity in the archipelago.

This course includes an intensive ten-day expedition to Galápagos at no additional cost to students. The goal of the expedition is both to observe firsthand many of the evolutionary adaptations and conservation dilemmas that we have read about, and to look for new examples and potential solutions. A chartered ship named MV La Pinta will serve as our floating classroom, dormitory, and dining hall as we work our way around the archipelago to visit seven different islands (Darwin visited four). For this portion of the class, undergraduates will be joined by a small group of Stanford alumni and friends in a format called a Stanford "Field Seminar." Because our class time on campus is limited to one week before travel, students will be required to complete all course readings over the summer.

The course emphasizes student contributions and presentations. Students will be asked to lead class discussions and to carry out a thorough literature review of some aspect of the evolution and/or conservation of one or more Galápagos species. The final assignment for the seminar is to complete an eight-  to ten-page paper about that review and to present its main findings in a joint seminar of undergrads and alumni as we travel in Galápagos. 

The class is also an experiment in intergenerational learning. For a few days on campus, and for all travels, we will be joined by 20+ Stanford alumni and friends who will share in our educational activities. For many alums, this class will be their first experience back in the Quad classrooms since their days as students, and much has changed at Stanford in the meantime. The class requires an attitude of mutual respect and a willingness to learn from each other on the part of each person in both groups, students and alumni. We will ask you to demonstrate that you respect each other’s perspectives by listening and sharing what you are learning from each other; and by communicating about and striving to work through inter-personal challenges that may arise as a diverse, inter-generational group lives, learns, and travels together. Signing up for this class means you accept this requirement.

Important Logistics 

Students will arrive on campus on Labor Day and will be housed at Stanford until we leave for Galápagos. Travel to Galápagos will be provided and paid by Sophomore College (except incidentals and personal expenses) and is made possible by the support of the Stanford Alumni Association Travel/Study Program and generous donors. We are scheduled to depart for South America on September 11, and to return to campus early afternoon on Friday, September 19. 

Application Alert!

This course uses interviews as part of the application process—keep a close eye on your email after you submit your application

Examples of Field Trips and Guest Speakers 

7 days on a chartered expeditionary ship in Galápagos at no extra cost to participating students. Guest speakers include 3 trained Galápagos naturalist guides who accompany our daily outings.

Sample Titles of Student Projects 

• "Rewilding: Galápagos Tortoises and Conservation" 
• “Observe the Rainbow: Evolutionary Drivers of Eye Color in Galápagos Birds” 
• “The Enigmatic Scalloped Hammerhead of Galápagos: Avenues for Improved Conservation” 
• “Direct & Indirect Effects of Tourism on Galápagos Marine Iguanas” 
• “The Impacts of Ecotourism in Shaping Galápagos Today” 
• “The Rarest of Darwin’s Finches: The Challenges and Conservation of the Mangrove Finch”

What Comes After SoCo?  

Students report that this class has two main impacts: (1) it leads some students to specialize in one or another aspect of conservation, sustainability and resource management via majors in the Doerr School or Human Biology/Biology; (2) others report integrating lessons from Galapagos in coursework and writing assignments in diverse majors including public policy, economics, political science, anthropology, and philosophy.

Meet the Instructor

William Durham

Bing Professor in Human Biology, Emeritus

Bill Durham received his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan before joining the Stanford faculty in Human Biology and Anthropology. His current research focuses on ways to work with communities to promote conservation and sustainability in and around national parks and protected areas. Winner of the MacArthur Prize and other awards for research and teaching, Bill’s publications include Coevolution: Genes, Culture and Human Diversity, Ecotourism and Conservation in the Americas (co-editor), Exuberant Life: An Evolutionary Approach to Conservation in Galápagos, and co-author of “Anthropology and Environmental Policy: Joint Solutions for Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods.” He served 16 years as editor of the Annual Review of Anthropology and was Co-founder and Co-director of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) for a decade. He is currently Co-Director Emeritus of the Osa and Golfito Initiative (INOGO) in Costa Rica for Stanford’s Woods Institute for the Environment. Bill’s hobbies include digital photography, cooking, home repairs, and fossil collecting, a hobby that goes all the way back to childhood.