biogeography of islands

Biogeography of islands studies how plants and animals are distributed on islands and how they evolve over time. Isolated by water, islands often host unique species not found elsewhere, shaped by factors like size, climate, and distance from the mainland. Larger islands support more diverse life due to varied habitats, while remote islands typically have fewer species. The “island biogeography theory” explains species richness as a balance between immigration of new species and extinction of existing ones. This dynamic helps scientists understand biodiversity and the impacts of human activity and climate change on island ecosystems.