The Principle of Island Biogeography — Passage
The Principle of Island Biogeography explains how the size and distance of islands affect the number of species that can live there. Proposed by ecologists Robert MacArthur and E.O. Wilson in the 1960s, this principle applies not only to islands but also to isolated habitats like mountain tops or forest fragments.
The principle has two main components:
- Island Size: Larger islands tend to have more species than smaller ones. This is because larger islands offer more resources, habitats, and space for species to thrive.
Distance from Mainland: Islands closer to the mainland have more species than those farther away. This is because species can more easily migrate to nearby islands.
The principle also explains how extinction and colonization rates affect biodiversity. On small, distant islands, extinction rates are higher because resources are limited, and colonization rates are lower because fewer species can reach the island.
Island biogeography has important implications for conservation. For example, protecting large, connected habitats can help maintain biodiversity. It also highlights the challenges of preserving species in small, isolated reserves.
Fun fact: The Principle of Island Biogeography was first tested on islands in the Florida Keys, where researchers studied the distribution of insects and birds.
What does the Principle of Island Biogeography explain?
How islands are formedHow island size and distance affect species diversityHow oceans regulate climateHow islands affect the atmosphereWho proposed the Principle of Island Biogeography?
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel WallaceRobert MacArthur and E.O. WilsonJane Goodall and Dian FosseyRachel Carson and James LovelockWhat is one factor that affects species diversity on islands?
Ocean currentsIsland sizeAir temperatureSoil typeWhy do larger islands tend to have more species?
They are closer to the mainlandThey offer more resources and habitatsThey have fewer predatorsThey are warmerWhat is one reason islands closer to the mainland have more species?
They are smallerSpecies can more easily migrate to themThey have fewer resourcesThey are colderWhat is one implication of the Principle of Island Biogeography for conservation?
Protecting small, isolated habitats is enoughProtecting large, connected habitats helps maintain biodiversityDistance from the mainland does not matterIsland size has no impact on species diversityWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
The principle was first tested in the Florida KeysIslands do not affect biodiversityLarger islands have fewer speciesThe principle only applies to oceansWhat is one challenge of preserving species in small, isolated reserves?
High colonization ratesHigh extinction ratesAbundant resourcesEasy migrationRelated Content
