Notes on Island Biogeography and Ecological Tolerance

Theory of Island Biogeography

Key Principles of Island Biogeography

• Size of Islands:

  • Larger islands = Greater ecosystem diversity.

  • More diverse ecosystems provide more food and habitat resources.

  • More niches available allow for increased species diversity.

• Distance from Mainland:

  • Islands closer to the mainland support more species due to easier colonization.

  • A positive correlation exists between island size and species richness.

• Colonization Dynamics:

  • Easier migration = Higher genetic diversity.

  • More organisms = More genetic diversity.

Implications of Island Size

• Larger islands support:

  • Higher ecosystem diversity and more