1. Endemism, Evolution and Extinction In the Hawaiian Archipelago

2. The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most geographically isolated land masses in the world

3. They are volcanic islands surrounded by the Pacific Ocean Except for one tiny atoll to the south, the Hawaiian Islands are separated from all other islands by over 1000 miles!

4. So how did living things get to the Hawaiian Islands? Make a guess!

5. By Wing (manu)

6. By Wind (makani) Hawaii

7. By Water (moana)

8. When hardy, small or lost creatures made it to Hawaii alive…. Survival wasn’t likely. Why do you think that was so?

9. Most people think of Hawaii as paradise but it is in fact, a chain of rugged volcanic islands

10. It’s not easy to survive on barren volcanic rock Scientists estimate that the survival rate was one successful natural colonization every 35,000 years.

11. When the Hawaiian islands emerged from the ocean, they had no coral reefs Reefs take millions of years to form as the island slowly becomes an atoll

12. Lacking suitable habitat, shelter and food….. Most species that arrived alive to Hawaii soon perished

13. Today, the reefs of the remote Hawaiian Islands team with life!

14. 25% of the marine species found near the northwestern Hawaiian islands that make up the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument… Are found nowhere else in the world!

16. Can you explain that? Talk to your classmates and try to come up with an explanation!

17. Hawaii has another distinction… Approximately 30% of all endangered species in the United States are in Hawaii Why do you think there are so many native (and endemic) species in Hawaii that are threatened with extinction?