Island Biogeography Theory

Island Biogeography Theory, developed by Robert MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson, explains how species are distributed on islands and isolated habitats. The theory suggests that the number of species on an island balances between immigration of new species and extinction of existing ones. Larger islands and those closer to the mainland tend to have more species because they can attract more immigrants and support larger populations. This concept also applies to other isolated ecosystems, helping us understand biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the impacts of habitat destruction.