Unit 2.3 : Island Biogeography

Island Biogeography

Study of ecological relationships and community structure on islands

Habitat Island

Natural habitat surrounded by an urban or developed environment

Species Richness

Total number of different species in a community

Ecosystem Diversity

Variety of habitats and food sources in an ecosystem

Colonizers

Organisms moving from mainland to establish new populations on islands

Genetic Diversity

Variety of genes within a population, enhancing resilience

Niche

Role of an organism within an ecosystem

Galapagos Finch Evolution

Example of adaptive radiation on the Galapagos Islands

Positive Correlation

Relationship where variables increase or decrease together

Population Size

Number of individuals in a population

Extinction Rate

Rate at which species disappear from an island

Disturbance Resistance

Ability of a population to withstand environmental disturbances

Positive Relationship

Direct association between two variables

Colonization

Movement of species from mainland to a new island habitat

Adaptive Radiation

Diversification of a species into multiple forms to occupy different niches

Linear Relationship

Relationship where changes in one variable result in proportional changes in another

Trend

General direction in which something is developing or changing

Data

Facts or statistics used for reference or analysis

Vocabulary

Set of words within a language that are familiar to a person

Migration

Movement of species to new habitats

Species Colonization

Process of species establishing in a new habitat

Inverse Relationship

Relationship where one variable increases as the other decreases

Micro Habitats

Small, distinct habitats within a larger ecosystem

Selective Pressure

Force that drives evolution in a specific direction

Common Ancestor

Shared ancestor of different species

Finches

Bird species known for their diverse beak shapes

Cactus Flowers

Food source for certain bird species on islands

Seed Eaters

Birds that consume seeds as their primary food source

Insect Eaters

Birds that primarily feed on insects

Plant Bud Eaters

Birds that consume plant buds as a main food source

Beak Size

Characteristic that evolves rapidly in response to food sources

Arid Zone

Region with low rainfall and dry conditions

Transition Zone

Area between different habitat types

Selective Advantage

Trait that gives an organism an edge for survival and reproduction

Environmental Concept

Key idea related to the natural world and ecosystems

Process of Organisms Colonizing an Island Habitat

Migration of species to establish in a new island environment

Influence of Distance from Mainland on Species Colonization

Relationship where species richness decreases as distance from mainland increases