Ap ES Island Biogeography

What does island biogeography study?


study of how species are distributed on islands and how factors like size and distance from the mainland affect this distribution

What types of islands are considered in island biogeography?


Both actual islands and figurative islands surrounded by urban environments

What is the first main observation in island biogeography?


larger islands tend to have more species than smaller islands,

Why do larger islands support more species?


larger islands can offer more habitats and resources, making it easier for different species to live there

What is the second main observation in island biogeography?


islands closer to the mainland tend to have more species than those that are farther away

What are colonizers in the context of island biogeography?


Organisms that move from the mainland to establish a new population on the island

How does genetic diversity affect species resilience on an island?


some individuals are more likely to survive changes, like disease or climate shifts, because they have different strengths, When individuals are genetically diverse, their offspring are more likely to be healthy and strong, which boosts the population

What is the relationship between island size and species richness?


There is a positive correlation; larger islands have more species richness

What does a positive correlation between island size and species richness indicate?


As island size increases, the number of species also increases

What is the impact of distance to the mainland on species richness?


Closer islands have higher species richness due to easier colonization

What is an inverse relationship in the context of island biogeography?


As the distance from the island to the mainland increases, species richness decreases

How does the Galapagos Islands example illustrate adaptive radiation?


Different finch species evolved from a common ancestor to utilize various food resources

What is adaptive radiation?


where a single species rapidly evolves into several new species to reduce competition

How does the availability of different food resources influence evolution on islands?


It leads to the evolution of different traits, such as beak size, to reduce competition

What are the key factors influencing species richness on islands?


• Island size: Larger islands support more species due to higher ecosystem diversity.

• Distance to mainland: Closer islands have higher species richness due to easier colonization.

Describe the process of organisms colonizing an island habitat.


1. Organisms move from the mainland to the island.

2. They establish a new population in the island ecosystem.

3. Continued migration from the mainland increases genetic diversity.

4. Larger and more genetically diverse populations are more resilient to disturbances.

How does the island's distance from the mainland influence the number of species that will ultimately colonize that island?


• Closer islands allow easier access for colonizers.

• Increased colonization leads to higher species richness.

• Further islands have fewer species due to difficulty in migration.