Island Biogeography

1.     The theory of Island Biogeography distills what determine biodiversity on islands into what two factors? The two main factors are the size of the island and the proximity or how far away the island is.

2.     The ecologist who developed this theory knew that other factors contributed to island biodiversity. Why did he not include them in his model? Because they were not as predictable.

3.     List three biotic and three abiotic factors determining success of colonization on islands. Remember, the term “island” has broad connotations.

Biotic 1- Vegetation(food & Shelter)

             2- Animals

             3- Other items to be used as food

Abiotic 1- The size of the island

               2- The living conditions of the island(weather, environment, temperature)

               3- Sunlight(promote vegetation growth for food and shelter)

4.     How can the theory of island biogeography help scientists understand the role of fragmentation in species extinction and to develop ways to prevent such extinction? It’s important to realize fragmentation and how it will affect the varied species in a given area.  As the area becomes smaller and smaller it drives the animals into a closer proximity creating overpopulation thus a decline in animal health.

5.     Ecologically speaking, what is an island? Identify an island within about ten miles from your home. Explain why it is an island. Is it a natural island, or did humans have a role in its developemtn. always been an island and give a thoughtful explanation of how species might be inhibited in terms of reproduction or dispersal. An island is an area that is confined to an area, not necessarily an actual island but could also be a lake in the middle of the dessert, or say a forest that is surrounded by housing developments.  The forest that is an island that sits in the middle of housing developments was naturally a forest, but has been encroached upon by mankind, cutting off its access points and confining the animals that call the forest home off from other areas, such as neighboring lakes and rivers.  Bears require vast areas to roam, and having a more limited area can create problems with the bears trying to venture out and then learning of human garbage and being attracted to it, the housing development has now hindered the bears natural instincts and is responsible for the destruction a bear can cause in fruit trees or with garbage cans.