Madagascar endemic species isolation

Most of Madagascar’s species live nowhere else

Madagascar’s long separation from other continents let its plants and animals evolve in relative isolation. About 90% of the plant and animal species found on the island occur nowhere else.

Ships broke the relay chain of overland trade

Goods moving over land often passed from one group of traders to another many times. Ships could carry much larger loads directly between distant ports and sometimes avoid political trouble on land. Sea trade therefore reduced the number of middlemen between distant buyers and sellers.

Red ochre improved Stone Age glue

Stone segments from Sibudu, South Africa, about 70,000 years old, were fixed with plant gum mixed with red ochre. The ochre strengthened the gum and helped keep it from breaking down when wet. The adhesive let people attach stone parts to sticks in more varied ways and make new tools.

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Madagascar endemic species isolation

Most of Madagascar’s species live nowhere else

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