The islands of the Gulf of California are called "the Mexican Galapagos". Many have been isolated for millions of years. Unique plants and animals can be found on nearly every one. In isolation, organisms evolve into bizarre forms. Reptiles often become giants, perhaps outsizing their few predators. Komodo dragons are one extreme example, another is Isla San Esteban's pinto chuckwalla. Mammals, faced with extreme limitations, may develop diminutive forms.
Barrel cacti are slow growing plants, usually not more than knee-high. But for no known reason, huge barrel cacti grow on several islands in the southern gulf. A unique species, they can tower to over a dozen feet. The oddity is compounded on Isla Carmen, where a tiny subspecies of the giant is found- the spectacular dwarf giant barrel cactus!
Though this may be a somewhat humorous example of island endemism, the variety of life and landscape on Baja California's many islands never ceases to enlighten and entertain us.
