2.3 Island Biogeography

Describe island biogeography.

• Island biogeography is the study of the ecological relationships and distribution of organisms on islands, and of these organisms’ community structures.
• Islands have been colonized in the past by new species arriving from elsewhere.
• Enduring understanding ERT-2: Ecosystems have structure and diversity that change over time.

Describe the role of island biogeography in evolution.

• Many island species have evolved to be specialists versus generalists because of the limited resources, such as food and territory, on most islands. The long-term survival of specialists may be jeopardized if and when invasive species, typically generalists, are introduced and outcompete the specialists.
• Enduring understanding ERT-2: Ecosystems have structure and diversity that change over time.