the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography

The Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography, proposed by Robert MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson, explains how the number of species on an island results from a balance between immigration and extinction rates. Larger islands or those closer to the mainland attract more species, as they have more resources and are more accessible. Over time, these forces reach an equilibrium point, where the rate of new species arriving equals the rate of species disappearing. This theory helps us understand biodiversity not just on islands, but in fragmented habitats and ecosystems worldwide.