Galapagos volcano erupts, could threaten wildlife

[Tab]

Source: Associated Press

UITO, Ecuador – Ecuador officials say a volcano is erupting in the Galapagos Islands and could harm unique wildlife.

The Galapagos National Park says La Cumbre volcano began spewing lava, gas and smoke on uninhabited Fernandina Island on Saturday after four years of inactivity.

The park says in a statement the eruption is not a threat to people living on nearby Isabela Island.

But it says lava flowing to the sea will likely affect marine and terrestrial iguanas, sea lions and other fauna.

The Galapagos are home to unique animal and plant species that became the basis for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Scientists say Fernandina is the island with the most volcanic activity in the archipelago. La Cumbre last erupted in May 2005.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/lt_ecuador_galapagos_volcano

[Zambero]

1. Uh, isn't volcanic activity how the Galapagos Islands came into being?

Flora and fauna adapt to and evolve around natural disturbances. Without past volcanic events the diversity of species and habitats that developed in the Galapagos (and elsewhere) would not exist. The misguided activities of H.Sapiens are a much bigger threat than periodic eruptions that mold landscapes and ultimately contribute to new habitat development.

[Tab]

2. In general, you are correct

Volcanic areas are usually the most fertile and create the most diverse flora and fauna.

[tabatha]

3. 20% of all species, and half of endangered species

are on islands.

http://www.islandconservation.org

[Tab]

6. I was trying to figure out why, though

I'm not a geologist (if anyone here is, please enlighten me). Volcanic areas are highly carbonic, which is my guess. What else are they high in? They're known for being some of the best growing soil possible (hey, I saw "The Incredibles" too :) ). Okay, I knew that before watching the movie.

[tabatha]

7. Here is some info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_biogeography

[HuckleB]

5. Exactly.

While animals may be in some danger, this is not something they haven't dealt with repeatedly over time. The human presence is likely of much more concern.

[Omaha Steve]

4. K&R

For this unique ecosystem.

[Reterr]

8. Too late to rec .eom