Pristine Coral Reef Discovered in Galapagos Islands' Deep Waters

A scientific expedition has discovered a previously unknown coral reef with abundant marine life off Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, the country's environment ministry said. The reef is approximately two kilometers long and 400 meters deep, and has more than 50% living coral. The discovery is significant as many deepwater systems are degraded globally. The Galapagos, which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, are also home to giant tortoises, albatrosses, cormorants and other species, some of which are endangered.