Abstract
The four islands of the Tristan da Cunha-Gough Island group are very isolated. They contain a unique fauna and flora. Knowledge of these is very incomplete in important respects. Such knowledge could not only help towards understanding the origins of the geographical distribution of plants and animals, it could also throw valuable light on the factors governing colonization of isolated regions. But it is not only the unique biota which is of scientific interest in these islands. We have here a natural ecological balance between the endemic species of an impoverished and therefore simple fauna and flora. Such islands could thus allow us to study with comparative ease the factors which control ecological stability; a study of the great importance to mankind today. Moreover, fortunately there have now been found in these islands evidence of datable remains of the geologically recent biota, so that there is a reasonable chance that we shall one day be able to trace the ecological evolution in time.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
