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Scientists begin research on evolution of Seychelles Island
Scientists from the University of Autonoma in Barcelona, Spain, have embarked on a comparative research project in Seychelles focused on fossils and sediments. The study aims to unravel the geological and environmental changes that have occurred over time on the island.
Through the collaboration between the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) and the European Research Council (ERC), the study will focus on Seychelles' three most populous islands: Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, the Seychelles News Agency reports.
The research team leader, Sandra Nagué, said, "If we can do that, we can try to understand interactions between plants and animals, and I'm trying to understand a bit more about the restoration process. Firstly, we need to do the chronological studies about getting the sedimentary course, the basic geological samples where we will be able to extract some micro-fossils that will hopefully allow us to understand how plants in Seychelles changed in the past."
By delving into fossils and sediment DNA on these key islands, researchers aim to reconstruct the past vegetation of Seychelles' geological history. The findings could allow them to delve thousands of years into the past, providing insights into the historical evolution of the island’s plant life and also contributing to broader studies on the impact of environmental changes on island ecosystems.
"After a few months, we will get the data, and then we shall decide on which coordinates we will work on. I will do the DNA; someone else will do the pollen, as everyone has a different role to bring together the picture of the past," said Nagué.
The research team plans to utilize genetic markers for animals, enabling them to gain a comprehensive understanding of past fauna. This includes investigating whether giant tortoises existed in specific locations during ancient times or if they became extinct in certain areas. The success of this aspect of the study relies on the team's ability to extract DNA from the sediments.
Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, comprises an archipelago of 115 islands. Renowned for its beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves, the Seychelles is also home to unique wildlife, including the rare giant Aldabra tortoises.
