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What does island biogeography theory explain?

The theory of island biogeography states that a larger island will have a greater number of species than a smaller island. When immigration rates and extinction rates are the same, the island is in equilibrium.

How does the theory of island biogeography explain why some islands have more species biodiversity than other islands?

The more isolated an island is, the lower its species richness will be. An island’s size also affects its biodiversity, since larger islands will have a wider variety of habitats, so species which arrive on the island will diversify to fill up the available niches.

What is island biogeography and how does it explain population survival?

Insular biogeography or island biogeography is a field within biogeography that examines the factors that affect the species richness and diversification of isolated natural communities. The theory was originally developed to explain the pattern of the species–area relationship occurring in oceanic islands.

What does the number of species on an island represent?

According to ETIB, the number of species present on an island is determined by a balance between immigration and extinction. Generally, as the number of species present increases, the immigration rate decreases and the extinction rate increases.

What is the role of Island Biogeography in evolution?

Island biogeography (also called insular biogeography) provides some of the best evidence in support of natural selection and the theory of evolution. The theory provides a model to explain the richness and uniqueness of species, both plants and animals, found in an isolated area.

Which of these island characteristics would be true according to the island biogeography theory?

According to island biogeography theory, the highest numbers of species would be found on islands that: are large in size and near to continents. According to the “distance effect,” between two islands of the same size, immigration rates will: be greater on the island that is closer to the mainland.

How does the theory of island biogeography help explain the biodiversity of the Cleveland Metroparks?

predicts that larger islands will have higher biodiversity because there are more resources and space to support more wildlife than smaller areas. If the theory holds for the Metroparks, it could help them to figure out where most species live in the park system and help managers better maximize biodiversity.

How does island size affect colonization numbers?

Large islands have higher colonization rates (they present a larger target) and lower extinction rates (they house larger populations) than small islands. As species numbers increase, new colonists will likely belong to species already present so colonization rates (of new species) drops.

How does island biogeography affect species distribution?

Overall the theory of Island Biogeography predicts that there will be a dynamic equilibrium on any given island – meaning that the number of species should remain stable at the point where colonization and extinction rates meet.

How does the theory of island biogeography help explain the distribution of wildlife in the Cleveland Metroparks?

What is the role of island biogeography in evolution?

What factors impact island biogeography?

Island biogeography is determined by three processes: immigration, evolution, and extinction. These processes are determined by the area and isolation of islands such that smaller and more isolated islands have lower numbers of species than larger and less isolated islands.