The Galápagos Archipelago is a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles west of Ecuador. It consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and numerous islets and rocks. The archipelago is known for its unique biodiversity, including many species that are found nowhere else on Earth. The islands played a significant role in the development of the theory of evolution, particularly through the work of Charles Darwin. His observations of the diverse wildlife, such as the famous Galápagos tortoises and Darwin's finches, contributed to his ideas about natural selection and adaptation.