Galapagos Islands Affected By Global Warming - Science News - redOrbit

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Galapagos Islands Affected By Global Warming

The unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is being threatened by climate change, and scientists are seeking a way to protect its vulnerable species.

The Galapagos wildlife was what helped Charles Darwin develop his thoughts on evolution about 175 years ago. Scientists are now trying to see how global warming is affecting the spectacular yet fragile biodiversity of the islands.

About 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast sits the volcanic archipelago, which hosts a number of endemic species that largely depend on each other to survive, reported Reuters.

According to scientists, sudden and frequently changing sea temperatures and the death of coral reefs near the islands reveal the impact global warming is having on local sea life.

"The coral reefs create a habitat; they are like a forest, like the Amazon. They are home to scores of species. ... If the corals die we lose thousands of species that are associated to the coral," said German marine biologist Judith Denkinger.

A scientist based in the Galapagos says the harm being brought to marine life by pollution and climate change could cause a domino effect that would harm species on land too.

"Everything is intertwined. You can't say this is land, this is sea, they are both one," Denkinger said..

The United Nations has said that it blames global warming for the melting of ice caps, rising sea levels and uncommon weather across the globe like storms, droughts and floods.

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