8 August 2007

Coral reefs 'disappearing fast'.

Charles Darwin was a bit of a renaissance scientist: he didn't just discover evolution. Climbing plants, worms, the descent of man, orchids, the expression of emotions, insectivorous plants and barnacles were among the subjects that fell under his gaze. So, too did coral reefs. Had he been alive today he would be 198, and probably very glum to read that coral reefs are disappearing faster than had previously been thought.

Let's hope there are some living reefs left to visit when the replica Beagle sails back to Darwin's old haunts, to compare and contrast his observations 170 years on using the tools and techniques of modern science.

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