Unit 3: Island Biogeography

Question 1

What is island biogeography?

Answer 1

A theory that demonstrates the dual importance of habitat size and distance in determining species richness.

Question 2

Larger islands typically contain ________ diversity.

Answer 2

Greater

Question 3

Three reasons why larger islands typically contain greater diversity.

Answer 3

Dispersing species will find larger habitats rather than small ones, larger habitats can support larger populations, and larger habitats have a wider range of conditions.

Question 4

The greater the distance between the continent and the island the _____________ diversity.

Answer 4

Lower

Question 5

Why is it that the greater the distance between the continent and the island the lower the diversity?

Answer 5

Few species can move long distances, limiting the species able to get there.

Question 6

Many island species have evolved to be specialists vs. generalists because of limited resources. How does this impact their survival if an invasive species is introduced?

Answer 6

Specialists will quickly die off because they have a hard time adapting to new conditions, which invasive species create.

Question 7

How does the idea of island biogeography connect to conservation?

Answer 7

Areas like national parks are like islands, so small distant areas decrease biodiversity. When creating conservation areas, we need to take the ability of animals to migrate into account.

Question 8

Speciation

Answer 8

A group within a species separates from other members and develops unique characteristics.