Why are specialist species more likely to evolve on islands?

• A. Islands often have limited resources and unique environments, favoring species that adapt to specific niches.
• B. Specialist species are less likely to face competition on islands due to the abundance of diverse habitats.
• C. Islands have higher rates of gene flow with mainland populations, promoting generalist traits.
• D. The large population sizes on islands reduce the effects of genetic drift, leading to more generalist species.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of specialist species: Specialist species are organisms that thrive in specific environmental conditions and have a narrow ecological niche. They are highly adapted to particular resources or habitats.
2. Analyze the unique characteristics of islands: Islands often have limited resources, isolated ecosystems, and unique environmental conditions. These factors create specific niches that favor the evolution of specialist species.
3. Consider competition dynamics: On islands, there is often reduced competition due to the isolation and limited number of species. This allows specialist species to thrive in their specific niches without significant competition from generalists.
4. Evaluate gene flow and genetic drift: Islands are typically isolated from mainland populations, leading to reduced gene flow. This isolation can amplify the effects of genetic drift, which may favor traits that are highly adapted to the island's specific environment, rather than promoting generalist traits.
5. Conclude why specialist species evolve on islands: The combination of limited resources, unique environments, reduced competition, and isolation from mainland populations creates conditions that favor the evolution of specialist species over generalist species.