Island Biogeography (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define island biogeography.
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Define island biogeography.
Island biogeography is the study of the distribution of island species and ecosystems, their relationships with their environment, and community structures on islands.
Why do islands often have distinct ecological dynamics?
Islands often have distinct ecological dynamics because of their isolation.
Why do larger islands support more species?
Larger islands offer greater habitat diversity and support larger, more stable populations that are less likely to go extinct.
True or False?
Small islands far from the mainland support the most species.
False.
Small, far islands support the fewest species because they have a low colonization rate and a high extinction rate.
The species-area relationship shows returns, so doubling island area does not double the number of species.
The species-area relationship shows diminishing returns, so doubling island area does not double the number of species.
How does species richness on large, far islands and small, near islands compare with other islands?
Large, far islands and small, near islands fall in between the most species-rich (large, near) and the least species-rich (small, far) islands.
What are three ways that new species can arrive on an island?
New species can arrive by floating on debris, flying, being carried by the wind or ocean currents, hitchhiking on larger animals, or being brought by humans on ships.
What two factors do island colonization rates depend on?
Colonization rates depend on the island's proximity to a source of species and the availability of suitable habitat.
Colonizing species often adapt to unique island conditions, such as limited food sources, varying climates, or the absence of .
Colonizing species often adapt to unique island conditions, such as limited food sources, varying climates, or the absence of predators.
Why do many island species evolve into specialists?
Many island species evolve into specialists because of limited resources, such as food, space, and mates.
True or False?
Specialist species on islands cope well with environmental changes.
False.
Specialists are highly adapted to specific ecological roles, which makes them vulnerable to environmental changes and competition.
Why do invasive species threaten island specialists?
Invasive species are often generalists that outcompete specialists for resources, as when introduced rats devastated ground-nesting birds on some islands.
What do the different beak shapes of Galápagos finches provide evidence for?
The finches' beak shapes are evidence that isolation and resource availability drive evolutionary divergence.
How can several Hawaiian honeycreeper species live together in one habitat?
Hawaiian honeycreeper species can live together because their specialized beaks let them fill different ecological niches, feeding on nectar, insects, or fruit.
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