APES Island Biogeography
35 flashcards covering APES Island Biogeography for the AP-ENVIRONMENTAL-SCIENCE Unit 2 section.
Island biogeography is a key concept in ecology that examines how species richness and ecosystem diversity are influenced by island size and distance from the mainland. This topic is outlined in the AP Environmental Science curriculum as part of Unit 2, which focuses on the relationships between organisms and their environments. It emphasizes the importance of habitat fragmentation and conservation strategies, particularly in light of biodiversity loss.
On practice exams and competency assessments, questions about island biogeography often involve scenarios requiring students to apply the principles of species-area relationships and distance effects. Common traps include confusing the effects of island size with those of habitat quality, or misinterpreting the implications of distance on species colonization. A frequent oversight in this domain is underestimating the role of invasive species, which can dramatically alter the dynamics of island ecosystems.
Terms (35)
- 01
What is the primary concept of island biogeography?
Island biogeography focuses on the ecological relationship between the size of an island and its distance from the mainland, influencing species richness and biodiversity. This theory helps explain patterns of species distribution and extinction rates on islands (College Board CED).
- 02
How does island size affect species diversity according to island biogeography?
Larger islands typically support more species due to greater habitat diversity and resources, leading to lower extinction rates compared to smaller islands (College Board CED).
- 03
What role does distance from the mainland play in island biogeography?
The distance from the mainland affects the rate of species immigration; islands closer to the mainland tend to have higher rates of species colonization than those further away (College Board CED).
- 04
Which of the following best describes the equilibrium theory of island biogeography?
The equilibrium theory suggests that the number of species on an island is determined by a balance between immigration and extinction rates, influenced by island size and distance from the mainland (College Board CED).
- 05
What is the significance of the species-area relationship in island biogeography?
The species-area relationship indicates that larger areas tend to support more species, which is crucial for conservation efforts and understanding biodiversity patterns (College Board CED).
- 06
How does habitat fragmentation relate to island biogeography?
Habitat fragmentation creates 'islands' of habitat, leading to similar dynamics as true islands, including reduced species diversity and increased extinction risk (College Board CED).
- 07
What is the expected outcome for species extinction on smaller islands?
Smaller islands generally experience higher extinction rates due to limited resources and smaller populations, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes (College Board CED).
- 08
Under island biogeography theory, what happens to species richness as isolation increases?
As isolation increases, species richness typically decreases due to lower immigration rates and greater difficulty for species to reach the island (College Board CED).
- 09
What is the impact of invasive species on island ecosystems?
Invasive species can disrupt island ecosystems by outcompeting native species, leading to declines in biodiversity and altering ecological dynamics (College Board CED).
- 10
How often should biodiversity assessments be conducted in island ecosystems?
Biodiversity assessments should be conducted regularly to monitor changes in species richness and ecosystem health, although specific intervals may vary based on local conditions (College Board CED).
- 11
What is the relationship between island biogeography and conservation biology?
Island biogeography principles inform conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of habitat size and connectivity for maintaining biodiversity (College Board CED).
- 12
When considering conservation efforts, what is a key factor in island restoration?
A key factor in island restoration is enhancing connectivity between habitats to facilitate species movement and genetic exchange, thereby improving resilience (College Board CED).
- 13
Which of the following factors is most critical for species survival on islands?
Habitat availability is critical for species survival on islands, as it directly influences population sizes and the ability to sustain biodiversity (College Board CED).
- 14
What is the effect of edge habitat on species diversity in fragmented landscapes?
Edge habitats often support different species than interior habitats, which can lead to increased diversity but also greater vulnerability to invasive species (College Board CED).
- 15
How does the concept of 'rescue effect' relate to island biogeography?
The 'rescue effect' refers to the phenomenon where immigration from nearby populations can help sustain declining populations on islands, reducing extinction risk (College Board CED).
- 16
What is the role of ecological corridors in island biogeography?
Ecological corridors facilitate movement between fragmented habitats, enhancing genetic diversity and species survival, similar to the dynamics observed in island biogeography (College Board CED).
- 17
What is the significance of the 'founder effect' in island biogeography?
The 'founder effect' occurs when a small number of individuals colonize an island, leading to reduced genetic diversity and potentially impacting species adaptability (College Board CED).
- 18
How does climate change impact island ecosystems?
Climate change poses significant threats to island ecosystems, including rising sea levels and altered weather patterns, which can lead to habitat loss and species extinction (College Board CED).
- 19
What is the importance of keystone species in island ecosystems?
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem; their loss can lead to significant changes in species composition and ecosystem function (College Board CED).
- 20
How does the concept of 'biogeographic regions' relate to island biogeography?
Biogeographic regions categorize areas based on shared species and ecological characteristics, influencing conservation strategies and understanding of biodiversity patterns (College Board CED).
- 21
What is the potential impact of tourism on island ecosystems?
Tourism can lead to habitat degradation and increased human-wildlife interactions, which may threaten native species and disrupt ecological balance (College Board CED).
- 22
What is the relationship between island biogeography and species extinction rates?
Species extinction rates are often higher on islands due to limited resources, smaller populations, and increased vulnerability to environmental changes (College Board CED).
- 23
How can the principles of island biogeography be applied to urban planning?
Urban planning can incorporate island biogeography principles by creating green spaces and corridors that mimic natural habitats, supporting biodiversity in urban environments (College Board CED).
- 24
What is the role of species interactions in island ecosystems?
Species interactions, such as predation and competition, significantly influence community dynamics and biodiversity on islands (College Board CED).
- 25
What is the effect of habitat loss on island species?
Habitat loss can lead to population declines and increased extinction risk for island species, particularly those with limited ranges (College Board CED).
- 26
How does the concept of 'species turnover' relate to island biogeography?
Species turnover refers to the change in species composition over time, which can be influenced by immigration and extinction dynamics on islands (College Board CED).
- 27
What strategies can be employed to mitigate the effects of invasive species on islands?
Strategies include monitoring, early detection, and eradication efforts to manage invasive species and protect native biodiversity (College Board CED).
- 28
How can island biogeography inform the design of nature reserves?
Island biogeography can guide the design of nature reserves by emphasizing the importance of size, shape, and connectivity to enhance species conservation (College Board CED).
- 29
What is the significance of genetic diversity in island populations?
Genetic diversity is crucial for the adaptability and resilience of island populations, helping them cope with environmental changes and threats (College Board CED).
- 30
How does the concept of 'sink populations' relate to island biogeography?
Sink populations are those that cannot sustain themselves without immigration from other populations, highlighting the importance of connectivity in island biogeography (College Board CED).
- 31
What are the implications of climate change for island biogeography?
Climate change can alter species distributions, disrupt ecological interactions, and exacerbate the challenges of habitat loss and fragmentation on islands (College Board CED).
- 32
What is the potential impact of rising sea levels on island ecosystems?
Rising sea levels can lead to habitat loss, increased salinity, and changes in species composition, threatening biodiversity on coastal islands (College Board CED).
- 33
How does the concept of 'habitat islands' apply to conservation efforts?
Habitat islands refer to isolated patches of habitat within a landscape, and understanding their dynamics is essential for effective conservation strategies (College Board CED).
- 34
What is the role of local communities in island conservation?
Local communities play a vital role in conservation efforts by promoting sustainable practices and engaging in habitat restoration initiatives (College Board CED).
- 35
How can ecological research contribute to understanding island biogeography?
Ecological research provides insights into species interactions, population dynamics, and ecosystem health, informing conservation and management strategies for islands (College Board CED).