A 163 square-kilometer (km2) small island is found 2,000km from the mainland. A second, larger, 230,000km2 island is found 1,000
km from the mainland. Based on the theory of island biogeography, which of the following statements is most likely true about the small island when compared with the large island? 1. The rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island.
2. The small island has niches that are more like the mainland than the large island.
3. The small island has more available resources than the large island.
4. The rate of species extinction is lower on the small island than on the large island.
The correct answer is number 1) The rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island.
The statement that is most likely true about the small island when compared with the large island is "The rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island."
If we want to know more about the ecology and characteristics of islands, our best reference should be "The Theory of Island Biogeography," written by Edward O. Wilson and Robert McArthur in 1967. The authors try to explain the immigration and extinction of wildlife using statistics and graphics.
4) The rate of species extinction is lower on the small island than on the large island.
Explanation:
The theory of island biogeography suggested that because of the size and links to the mainland. Fewer species that are not from the island will invade because the distance from the mainland is greater. The threat of extinction due to this is low. The small island also has a lower capacity for different species due to limited resources. This would mean that there are simply fewer species to go extinct.
