The Principle of Island Biogeography

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 6789
Subjects: elareadingscience
Standards: 7.RI.7.3
Languages: English, Spanish

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The Principle of Island Biogeography explains how island size and distance from the mainland affect species diversity. Larger, closer islands tend to have more species, while small, distant islands face higher extinction rates. This principle has important implications for conservation.

Written by Neha Goel TripathiPublished by Workybooks

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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.

Who proposed the Principle of Island Biogeography?

Charles Darwin and Alfred WallaceRobert MacArthur and E.O. WilsonJames Watson and Francis CrickJane Goodall and Dian Fossey

Where was the principle first tested?

Galápagos IslandsAmazon rainforestFlorida KeysGreat Barrier Reef

Why do larger islands have more species?

They are closer to the mainlandThey have more habitats and resourcesThey have fewer predatorsThey prevent extinction entirely

Why do distant islands have fewer species?

Migration is more difficultIslands are smallerSpecies cannot reproduce thereExtinction never happens

What is implied about small, isolated reserves?

They protect biodiversity wellThey face conservation challengesThey prevent migration issuesThey reduce extinction completely

If a conservationist wants to protect biodiversity, what strategy best follows the principle?

Preserve many small isolated reservesProtect one large connected habitatEliminate migration routes for speciesFocus only on nearby mainland areas

A mountain peak ecosystem is cut off from nearby forests. According to the principle, what will likely happen?

Colonization increases dramaticallyExtinction risks rise over timeBiodiversity stays constant foreverMigration becomes easier

A new island is discovered near the mainland and is very large. Based on the principle, what should scientists expect?

Few species and high extinctionMany species and low extinctionNo migration will occurBiodiversity will decline quickl

The Principle of Island Biogeography

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