Darwin got the idea for his theory of evolution after observing the way finch species were divided by island in the Galapagos. Some of the most striking examples of evolution happen when small areas are isolated for a long period of time, allowing the flora and fauna to evolve independent from its relatives elsewhere. One such place is Socotra, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa’s Horn (but politically part of Yemen). Isolated for millions of years, one-third of the islands’ plant species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. One example is Dracaena Cinnabari, above, named “dragonblood trees” for their red sap; another is Dendrosicyos, a cucumber tree.
UNESCO recognizes Socotra as a world heritage site:
The site is of universal importance because of its biodiversity with rich and distinct flora and fauna: 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world. The site also supports globally significant populations of land and sea birds (192 bird species, 44 of which breed on the islands while 85 are regular migrants), including a number of threatened species. The marine life of Socotra is also very diverse, with 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crab, lobster and shrimp.
Photo by Michele Falzone.
dailymeh posted this on October 18, 2011
