IB74.1.4 Easter Island
Easter Island
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IB74.1.4 Easter Island
Easter Island lies 1300 miles from the nearest Pacific island and
2300 miles from the coast of Chile.
Polynesians first arrived in canoes in about 600 AD. Subtropical
forests grew on the volcanic slopes, including the world’s largest
palm trees. The islanders grew crops and raised chickens.
By 1400 AD the population had grown to about 30000 people.
© Oxford University Press 2011
IB74.1.4 Easter Island
This is an aerial view of Easter Island taken in 2001.
Notice the lack of trees.
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IB74.1.4 Easter Island
Pitcairn Island is another volcanic island at a similar latitude to
Easter Island.
Pitcairn Island still has trees-it shows what Easter Island may have
been like.
© Oxford University Press 2011
IB74.1.4 Easter Island
When Dutch explorers reached the Easter Island on Easter day
1722, they found a treeless landscape.
Only a few people remained on the Island, living in caves. All around
the island were giant stone statues, many of which had toppled over
and broken.
What had gone wrong on Easter Island?
© Oxford University Press 2011
IB74.1.4 Easter Island
At first, Easter Island provided ideal conditions for settlers, with
plenty of forests, fresh water and fertile soils.
But, as the population grew, more forests were cleared for houses
and fuel. Mature trees were felled more quickly than young trees
could grow. Eventually the very last trees were cut down.
Soil nutrients were removed as crops were harvested. Rain washed
away more nutrients from the soil. Eventually the soil was not fertile
enough to feed the population.
Because Easter Island is so isolated, there was nowhere to go for
help, and the population crashed.
© Oxford University Press 2011