The theory of island biogeography a. predicts that the...

The theory of island biogeography a. predicts that the equilibrium number of species on an island is a balance between the rate of immigration of new species and the rate of extinction of resident species. b. predicts that the rate of immigration of new species will decline with island distance from the mainland species pool. c. predicts that the rate of extinction of resident species will decrease as island size increases. d. applies to isolated habitat patches as well as to oceanic islands. e. All of the above

The theory of island biogeography
a. predicts that the equilibrium number of species on an island is a balance between the rate of immigration of new species and the rate of extinction of resident species.
b. predicts that the rate of immigration of new species will decline with island distance from the mainland species pool.
c. predicts that the rate of extinction of resident species will decrease as island size increases.
d. applies to isolated habitat patches as well as to oceanic islands.
e. All of the above

Key Concepts

Equilibrium of Species

This concept involves the balance between the immigration of new species and the extinction of resident species, which together determine the number of species that can persist on an island over time. It is a core principle in island biogeography that explains how species richness reaches a dynamic equilibrium despite continuous species turnover.

Immigration Rates

This refers to the rate at which new species colonize an island. According to island biogeography theory, immigration rates decrease with increasing distance from the source pool, meaning that islands farther away from the mainland or a larger source of species tend to receive fewer immigrants.

Extinction Rates

The theory predicts that extinction rates are influenced by island characteristics, particularly size. Larger islands tend to support larger populations and more stable communities, leading to lower extinction rates, while smaller islands are more vulnerable to random extinctions.

Effects of Isolation

This concept encompasses how geographic distance and isolation from a larger source of species (like a mainland) affect both immigration and extinction dynamics. Greater isolation typically results in lower immigration rates and can influence the equilibrium number of species present on an island.

Application to Habitat Patches

Beyond oceanic islands, the principles of island biogeography are also applied to isolated habitat patches in fragmented landscapes. These patches function similarly to islands, where the balance between immigration and extinction governs species diversity, making the theory applicable to conservation biology and the study of habitat fragmentation.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback