What specific individuals aggregate at the Galapagos Islands' Wolf and Darwin Islands for scientific significance?
Answer
Large, pregnant female whale sharks
The Galapagos Islands, specifically the northern dive sites of Wolf and Darwin Islands, represent a scientifically crucial aggregation point due to the convergence of three major ocean currents, which results in high nutrient levels. This environment attracts substantial numbers of large, pregnant female whale sharks, often between June and November. Encounters here are distinctly characterized by deep waters and strong currents, necessitating strict diving-only access for scientific observation of these mature individuals.
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