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A Google A Day

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Science

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Science

Lonesome George’s chances �of being a dad improved �because two ladies moved �to his island.

Where exactly did they move from?

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Hints

Things to think about as you get started

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Who is Lonesome George?

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How to find the answer

Answer �Española Island. ��Search �Search [Lonesome George] to find �out he’s a Pina Island tortoise. A search �for [Lonesome George’s two mates] �will reveal that they recently relocated �from Española Island.

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Background and further discussion

Lonesome George is not just any Pina Island tortoise, but the sole known remaining survivor of his subspecies of Galapagos tortoises. In the late 1950s, three goats were introduced to Pina Island, and as their population grew, the feral community destroyed the tortoise habitat. George was moved �to the Charles Darwin Research Station by Galapagos National Park rangers �in 1972 for his protection. Now at an estimated 100 years of age, he shares �his enclosure with two females of a different subspecies, from Wolf Volcano �on northern Isabela, thought to be closest to his own subspecies. Although �the females have laid eggs, none have hatched.