GALAPAGOS

Subtitled ""Islands of Change,"" this highly readable introduction to the Galapagos Islands and the unique plants and animals found there is enhanced by vivid full-color photographs. The book describes the volcanic forces that formed and continue to change the land masses that make up this chain of small islands; the Myerses speculate as to how the plants and animals came to inhabit these isolated islands, and how finches, tortoises, and sunflowers continue to evolve as they adapt to changing conditions. Farb's pictures both astonish and add clarity to the discussion. Well done.