Oceanic islands Flashcards
What are oceanic islands?
Islands that are isolated from major land masses so it is difficult for species to colonise.
What are the features of oceanic islands?
Most formed by volcanic activity.
Have unique endemic species
Low biodiversity because theyre difficult to colonise
Lack of mammal predators
Why are oceanic islands important?
High proportion of unique endemic species increases the possibility of the discovery of medicines or biomimetics
What are the threats to oceanic islands?
Exploitation of species
Introduced species, indigenous species are not adapted to predators
Habitat loss from tourism and urbanisation
Climate change and increased pathogens, avian malaria species are not adapted
What are the conservation efforts of oceanic islands?
Eradication of introduced species
e.g. rats from Hawaii and Ramsay islands.
