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Which of the following statements about the equilibrium theory of island biogeography is FALSE?
a) All of the above are true; none is false.
b) At equilibrium, the species composition of an island will not change.
c) If the extinction rate increases, the number of species on an island should decrease.
d) If the immigration rate increases, the number of species on an island should increase.
e) The theory applies to island-like habitats as well as islands.

Respuesta :

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Answer:

b) At equilibrium, the species composition of an island will not change

Explanation:

According to MacArthur-Wilson (1967) equilibrium theory of island biogeography

• The number of species on an island represents a dynamic equilibrium between the opposite forces of immigration and extinction rates.

• At equilibrium, the species richness keeps constant. But the species composition changes.

• Each island can have a certain number of species, but these species are not always the same, meaning that species might renew. Interspecific competition has a significant role.

The assumptions of the equilibrium theory:

  • The immigration rate depends on the distance of the island to the mainland
  • The extinction rate depends on the island size.
  • All the species have the same chances of getting to the island.

Predictions:

  • At equilibrium, the number of species is constant in time.
  • Dynamic equilibrium means a continuous species renewal.
  • If the island gets bigger, species richness increases.
  • If the island is closer to the mainland, species richness increases.

The model has been criticized for its predictions and assumptions. What actually happens in nature might differ from the assumptions.

  • Target effect: The immigration rate not only depends on the distance of the island to the continent but also on the size of the island. Bigger islands are easier to see than smaller islands.
  • Rescue effect: The Extinction rate not only depends on the size of the island but also the distance. Closer islands have higher chances of being colonized than the farther ones.
  • Not all species have the same chances of getting to the islands because species vary in their dispersion capabilities. The theory does not consider in situ evolution.

However, despite the critics, the theory has significant contributions:

  • It is a simple model that helps to define and interpret predictive models.
  • It considers competition and competitive exclusion → As the number of species increases, the extinction rate increases too.
  • It applies to different habitats such as patches, corridors, natural reserves, among other island-like areas.
  • Useful for interaction and trophic webs conservation

Martebi
  • The false statement among the options is that at equilibrium, the species composition of an island will not change.

The theory of island biogeography does state that a larger island will tend to have a greater number of species when compared to a smaller island.

An island is regarded as an ecosystem that is uniquely different from the surrounding area.

It is also stated that when immigration rates and extinction rates are at the same point or the same, the island is in an equilibrium state.

This therefore implies that the number of species on the island stays roughly the same. but, even though the number of species does not change, the composition of those species on the island may be altered.

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