Island Biogeography - AP Environmental Science
- What is the impact of sea level rise on island biogeography?
- Reduces island area, increasing extinction. Smaller land area supports fewer species due to habitat loss.
- Identify a factor that leads to higher species richness on islands.
- Larger island size. More area provides diverse habitats and resources for multiple species.
- How does island size affect genetic diversity?
- Smaller islands have less genetic diversity. Limited population size reduces genetic variation through founder effects.
- What is the term for the rate at which new species colonize an island?
- Immigration Rate. Measures how frequently new species successfully establish on islands.
- What impact do predators have on island species richness?
- Can reduce species richness. Top consumers can eliminate prey species and alter community structure.
- What is the primary focus of island biogeography?
- Species distribution and richness. Examines how geographic factors influence species diversity patterns.
- Identify a method to test island biogeography theory.
- Field studies on archipelagos. Empirical research in natural island systems validates theoretical predictions.
- What is the species-area relationship?
- Species richness increases with area. Mathematical relationship showing species number increases with habitat area.
- How do invasive species affect island ecosystems?
- They can increase extinction rates. Non-native species often outcompete or prey on endemic island species.
- What term describes the balance of species immigration and extinction?
- Equilibrium. Dynamic balance reached when immigration and extinction rates are equal.
- What is the impact of human activity on island biogeography?
- Alters species immigration and extinction. Habitat modification and species introductions disrupt natural equilibrium dynamics.
- What is the impact of tourism on island ecosystems?
- Can lead to habitat degradation. Human activities often disrupt natural ecosystems and native species.
- Identify a factor that leads to lower species richness on islands.
- Greater isolation. Distance from source populations reduces colonization and immigration rates.
- Which factor increases the rate of species immigration to an island?
- Proximity to the mainland. Shorter distances reduce dispersal barriers and travel time for colonizing species.
- What is the relationship between island age and species richness?
- Older islands generally have higher richness. Time allows more species to colonize and evolve on established islands.
- What is the impact of habitat fragmentation on species extinction rates?
- Increases extinction rates. Smaller, isolated habitat patches increase species vulnerability to local extinctions.
- What is the role of primary succession in island formation?
- Establishes initial communities. Pioneer species colonize new volcanic surfaces and begin ecosystem development.
- What is the significance of endemism in island ecosystems?
- High levels of unique species. Isolation promotes evolution of species found nowhere else on Earth.
- How does island shape affect species distribution?
- Irregular shapes can enhance habitat diversity. Complex coastlines create more microhabitats and ecological niches.
- How does island isolation affect species immigration rates?
- Greater isolation lowers immigration. Distance creates dispersal barriers that reduce successful colonization events.
- What effect does increased island area have on extinction rates?
- Larger area lowers extinction rates. More space and resources reduce competition and support larger populations.
- What is the main prediction of the island biogeography theory?
- Equilibrium species number. Theory predicts a stable species count when immigration equals extinction rates.
- Which factor increases the rate of species extinction on an island?
- Smaller island size. Limited resources and habitat space increase competition and population vulnerability.
- What effect do barriers have on species dispersal to islands?
- Barriers reduce dispersal. Physical obstacles limit species movement and colonization between habitats.
- What is a practical application of island biogeography theory in conservation?
- Designing wildlife reserves. Theory guides optimal size and connectivity of protected areas.
- What is the term for the number of species found on an island?
- Species Richness. Measures total number of different species present in a given area or ecosystem.
- How does volcanic activity influence island biogeography?
- Creates new land for colonization. Eruptions form new islands available for species colonization and evolution.
- What is the effect of a keystone species on island biodiversity?
- Maintains ecological balance. Critical species support ecosystem structure and function for other organisms.
- Identify the two key processes in island biogeography.
- Immigration and Extinction. These opposing forces determine the equilibrium number of species on islands.
- What is the term for the rate at which species become extinct on an island?
- Extinction Rate. Measures how frequently existing species disappear from islands permanently.
- What role do corridors play in island biogeography?
- Facilitate species dispersal. Connecting pathways allow species movement between isolated habitat patches.
- State the relationship between island size and species richness.
- Larger islands have higher species richness. More area provides more habitats and resources to support diverse species populations.
- State the relationship between island distance from the mainland and species richness.
- Closer islands have higher species richness. Proximity reduces dispersal barriers and increases colonization opportunities.
- What concept explains species richness based on island size and distance from the mainland?
- Island Biogeography Theory. Model predicting species diversity based on island area and isolation from source populations.
- What is a key assumption of island biogeography theory?
- Islands are isolated systems. Islands function as closed systems with limited immigration and emigration.