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Since Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands and formulated his theory
of evolution, Pacific islands have been viewed as an important testing ground
for ideas about ecology and biodiversity. Historical Ecology in the Pacific
Islands draws together case studies on the effect of human influences on these
fragile habitats. It describes how early colonists created massive environmental
change long before the arrival of the first European explorers. Published by
Yale University Press, £30, ISBN 0 300 06603 1.