25 Lecture on Island Biogeography

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Island Biogeography and the factors that influence species diversity on islands.

Island Biogeography

A field of study examining the ecological and geographic factors that influence the number and diversity of species on islands.

Equilibrium Theory

The theory that suggests that the number of species on an island is determined by a balance between immigration and extinction.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state where the number of species remains stable over time as new species replace those that go extinct.

Area Effect

The concept that larger islands generally support more species than smaller islands due to more resources and habitats.

Isolation Effect

The idea that islands further from the mainland will have lower immigration rates and therefore fewer species than those closer to the mainland.

Edge Effects

Changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats, affecting species interactions.

Matrix

The area between habitat patches that can influence species movement and diversity.

Species Turnover

The process of change in species composition over time within a particular ecosystem.