Q: The relationship between species richness ($$S) $$and area ($$A) is $$often described by the equation $$S = cA^z. If$$ $$c = 2$$ and $$z = 0.3$$, how many species would you expect on an island of $$100 km$^2$$?

$$S = 2 \times 100$$^{0.3}$$ = 2 \times 3.98 = 7.96$$

Question 1

According to the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography, which combination of island characteristics would result in the highest equilibrium number of species?

Accepted Answer

Large and near the mainland

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why species richness increases with island area, as shown in the species-area relationship?

Accepted Answer

Larger islands have more available niches and resources

Question 3

The relationship between species richness ($$S) $$and area ($$A) is $$often described by the equation $$S = cA^z. If$$ $$c = 2$$ and $$z = 0.3$$, how many species would you expect on an island of $$100 km$^2$$?

Accepted Answer

$$S = 2 	imes 100$$^{0.3}$$ = 2 	imes 3.98 = 7.96$$

Question 4

Which of the following is a 'good disperser' according to the study materials, and why does this matter for island colonization?

Accepted Answer

Birds; because they can fly long distances over water

Question 5

In the context of island biogeography, why do larger islands tend to have lower extinction rates?

Accepted Answer

They have more resources and habitat diversity

Question 6

A volcanic island forms far from the mainland. Which of the following groups is least likely to colonize it quickly?

Accepted Answer

Freshwater fish

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the equilibrium point in the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is where the rate of immigration equals the rate of extinction

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world example of a non-oceanic 'island' in the context of biogeography?

Accepted Answer

A mountaintop isolated by surrounding lowlands

Question 9

Why might two islands of the same size and distance from the mainland have different species richness?

Accepted Answer

Differences in regional processes, time, and geographic history

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the results of the Krakatau test after the volcanic eruption?

Accepted Answer

Species richness increased over time as new species immigrated

Question 11

If an island is defaunated (all animals removed) and is located near the mainland, what would you expect to happen to its species richness over time?

Accepted Answer

It would increase rapidly and approach pre-defaunation levels

Question 12

Which of the following factors would most likely increase the extinction rate on an island?

Accepted Answer

Small island area

Question 13

Which equation best describes the log-transformed species-area relationship?

Accepted Answer

$$\log S = \log c + z \log A$$

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a way that islands can form, according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Glacial melting

Question 15

Why do species at higher trophic levels tend to have higher extinction rates on islands?

Accepted Answer

They require more energy and often have smaller population sizes

Question 16

A researcher observes that a newly formed volcanic island is colonized first by grasses, then by shrubs, and finally by trees. Which ecological concept does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Ecological succession

Question 17

Which of the following would be considered a 'bad disperser' and thus less likely to colonize a distant island?

Accepted Answer

Amphibians

Question 18

If two islands are the same distance from the mainland but one is much larger, what would the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography predict about their species richness?

Accepted Answer

The larger island will have higher species richness due to lower extinction rates

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible reason why biodiversity might vary between two lakes of similar size and latitude?

Accepted Answer

Differences in geographic history and time since formation

9.1 iogeography and the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography

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