Chapter 20: Problem 6

The theory of island biogeography envisions the species richness of island communities as a balance between the processes of colonization and local extinction. In what way can this theory be applied to isolated habitat patches in terrestrial environments?

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Answer: The theory of island biogeography applies to isolated habitat patches in terrestrial environments by considering the processes of colonization and local extinction to explain species richness in these patches. Larger patches and those closer to other habitats tend to have greater species diversity. Habitat connectivity plays a critical role in maintaining species richness by allowing for colonization from nearby areas. Examples of the theory's application in conservation include research on isolated forest patches in agricultural landscapes, as well as the creation of interconnected networks of nature reserves and protected areas to maintain viable populations of species.

Step by step solution

Understand the theory of island biogeography

The theory of island biogeography takes into consideration the processes of colonization and local extinction to explain species richness in island communities. The main factors that influence the species richness on an island are its size, distance from other landmasses or source populations, and the balance between immigration and extinction rates. Larger islands tend to support more species because they provide more resources and habitat types. Islands closer to the mainland generally harbor a higher species diversity than remote islands, as the probability of new species colonizing decreases with increasing distance.

Identify isolated habitat patches in terrestrial environments

Isolated habitat patches refer to fragmented or disconnected areas of habitat that are surrounded by other, often contrasting, landscapes or land uses. These can include forest fragments, grasslands, wetlands, or any other type of natural habitat. These patches can be thought of as "terrestrial islands" that are isolated from continuous habitat areas by human-made or natural barriers.

Apply the principles of island biogeography to terrestrial habitats

When considering isolated habitat patches in terrestrial environments, the processes of colonization and local extinction will still influence species richness. Larger patches are likely to have greater species diversity, as they accommodate more individual habitats and resources. Patches closer to other habitats or sources of new colonizers generally have a higher species diversity due to an increased likelihood of immigrant species establishing themselves. The extinction rate in isolated patches depends on factors such as patch area, resource availability, and connectivity with other patches.

Understand the role of habitat connectivity

Habitat connectivity refers to the degree to which habitats are linked or connected, allowing species to disperse and recolonize areas where local extinctions may have occurred. In an isolated patch, connectivity can be a key factor in maintaining species richness, as it allows for colonization from nearby areas. Connectivity can be increased by preserving or restoring corridors, such as hedgerows or riparian vegetation, that facilitate species movement between habitat patches. This, in turn, can reduce extinction rates and create a balance between colonization and local extinction, thus maintaining species richness.

Provide examples of the application of island biogeography to terrestrial environments

The theory of island biogeography has been applied to a variety of terrestrial environments and has informed conservation strategies. For example, research on isolated forest patches in agricultural landscapes has shown the importance of maintaining a balance between habitat patch size and isolation to support biodiversity. Nature reserves and protected areas can also form a network of interconnected "islands" in a matrix of human-dominated landscapes, ensuring that viable populations of species can be maintained across the region.

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The theory of island biogeography envisions the species richness of island communities as a balance between the processes of colonization and local extinction. In what way can this theory be applied to isolated habitat patches in terrestrial environments?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the theory of island biogeography

Identify isolated habitat patches in terrestrial environments

Apply the principles of island biogeography to terrestrial habitats

Understand the role of habitat connectivity

Provide examples of the application of island biogeography to terrestrial environments

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