| 1 | Two hundred years ago, Ascension Island was a barren volcanic edifice. | |
| 2 | Ascension Island's secret is safe for years to come, it seems. | |
| 3 | However, to date, scientists have been deaf to the parable of Ascension Island. | |
| 4 | However, because Ascension occupies a "hot spot" on the ridge, its volcano is especially active. | |
| 5 | He told the BBC: "Awaiting Darwin on Ascension was a letter from his Cambridge mentor, John Henslow. |