Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/saint-helena-ascension-and-tristan-da-cunha

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the key principle?Extreme geographic isolation fostering high levels of endemism and unique evolutionary pathways
2. What is the historical significance?Strategic naval outposts, site of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile (Saint Helena)
3. Why are the islands volcanic?They were formed by deep‑sea volcanic activity from the Mid‑Atlantic Ridge or hotspots. Saint Helena is an extinct shield volcano, Ascension is a newer volcanic island, and Tristan da Cunha is a stratovolcano rising over 3,500 meters from the ocean floor.
4. How many special animals live on Tristan da Cunha?Tristan da Cunha is home to many endemic species, including the Tristan albatross, Tristan bunting, and several unique plant species that are found nowhere else on Earth.

British Overseas Territory: A sovereign territory of the United Kingdom, not part of the UK itself, with distinct governance.
Endemism: The ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island.
Stratovolcano: A tall, conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, rock, and ash.
Anthropogenic Pressures: Environmental changes caused or influenced by human activities.