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Abstract

abstract

The vertebrate fauna of Marion and Prince Edward islands, including fur seals, elephant seals and 29 species of seabirds, depends upon the productivity of the seas surrounding the islands. Even the plants are influenced by nutrient inputs from guano and other excretions derived originally from marine organisms. All life on the islands is influenced by, if not entirely dependent upon, the surrounding sea. Thus marine biological studies must form an important part of the overall study of the ecology of these islands.