Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography

The Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography, developed by ecologists Robert MacArthur and Edward Wilson, explains how the number of species on an island is determined by the balance between immigration and extinction. Larger islands closer to the mainland can support more species because they are easier to reach and have more resources. Over time, a stable number of species is achieved, where new species arriving balance out those that go extinct. This theory helps us understand biodiversity not only on islands but also in isolated habitats like forests and lakes.