Galapagos' Wolf volcano erupts, threatening ecosystem Darwin studied

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Tuesday, May 26, 2015
VIDEO: Galapagos volcano erupts, threatening ecosystem
The Wolf volcano in the Galapagos erupted Monday, threatening the ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. (Parque Nacional Galapagos/Facebook)

The mile-high Wolf volcano in the Galapagos islands spewed fire and lava into the early morning sky Monday, threatening the ecosystem that Charles Darwin once studied.

The volcano, which erupted for the first time in 33 years, is on Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos. Ecuador's Galapagos National Park administration told ABC News the eruption could be seen for miles.

The many rare species found on the island -- including pink iguanas -- are not currently at risk because of the direction in which the lava is flowing, ABC News reports.

Years after visiting the islands, Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution on his observations made in the Galapagos islands. His theory changed the islands forever, according to the Galapagos Conservatory.