APES 2.3

Front

What is an island in ecological terms?

Back

An island is any suitable habitat surrounded by unsuitable habitat.

Front

According to the theory of island biogeography, why do larger islands support more species?

Back

Larger islands have more habitats and therefore can support more species.

Front

What is the relationship between island distance and species number?

Back

Generally, far islands have fewer species.

Front

How does habitat fragmentation affect biodiversity?

Back

It decreases biodiversity by isolating species.

Front

What is the extinction rate on larger islands?

Back

Larger islands have lower extinction rates.

Front

Define habitat fragmentation.

Back

Habitat fragmentation is the process where larger habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches.

Front

What is the significance of the edge effect in fragmented habitats?

Back

The edge effect refers to the changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats.

Front

How does island size influence species richness?

Back

Larger islands tend to have more species due to greater habitat diversity and resources.

Front

What role does distance from the mainland play in species diversity on islands?

Back

Islands closer to the mainland typically have more species due to easier access for colonization.

Front

Explain the concept of ecological niche.

Back

An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.