Though South America is a largely continental landmass, its islands and coastal landscapes play a vital role in biodiversity, history, and geopolitics. From volcanic islands in the Pacific to disputed territories in the Atlantic, these features are strategically and ecologically significant.

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🌎 8.1 Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)

• Location: Pacific Ocean, ~1,000 km west of Ecuador.
• Formation: Volcanic origin.
• Famous For:
  • Charles Darwin’s visit (1835) → inspired theory of evolution.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies.
• Economy: Tourism, fishing, conservation.
• UPSC Note: Frequently asked in environment & biodiversity questions.

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🌎 8.2 Easter Island (Rapa Nui, Chile)

• Location: Pacific Ocean, ~3,500 km west of Chile.
• Famous For:
  • Moai statues → mysterious giant stone heads.
  • Polynesian heritage.
• Importance: Cultural heritage site, tourism hub.

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🌎 8.3 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas, UK Territory – claimed by Argentina)

• Location: South Atlantic Ocean, east of Argentina.
• Capital: Stanley.
• Geopolitical Importance:
  • 1982 Falklands War → Argentina vs UK.
  • Still a disputed territory.
• Economy: Sheep farming, fishing, oil exploration.

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🌎 8.4 South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (UK Territory)

• Location: South Atlantic, sub-Antarctic.
• Importance:
  • Rich marine ecosystem (penguins, seals, whales).
  • Strategic for UK’s South Atlantic presence.

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🌎 8.5 Coastal Features

(a) Chilean Fjords

• Location: Southern Chile (Patagonia).
• Formation: Glacial erosion.
• Features: Deep inlets, glaciers, rugged coastlines.
• Importance: Tourism, fisheries, unique marine ecosystems.

(b) Rio de la Plata Estuary

• Formed by: Confluence of Paraná & Uruguay rivers.
• Location: Between Argentina & Uruguay.
• Importance:
  • Major ports → Buenos Aires, Montevideo.
  • Rich in agriculture and trade.

(c) Humboldt Coast (Peru–Chile)

• Influenced by Humboldt Current.
• Famous for: Rich fishing grounds (anchovies, sardines).

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📌 UPSC Key Pointers

1. Galápagos Islands → Darwin, biodiversity hotspot, volcanic origin.
2. Easter Island → Moai statues, Chile, Polynesian heritage.
3. Falkland Islands → UK territory, disputed by Argentina, 1982 war.
4. South Georgia → sub-Antarctic UK territory, penguins & whales.
5. Chilean Fjords → glacial landscapes, southern coast.
6. Rio de la Plata Estuary → Buenos Aires, Montevideo; trade hub.
7. Humboldt Coast → fishing industry, linked to ocean currents & El Niño.