The Theory of Island Biogeography

The Theory of Island Biogeography, developed by ecologists Robert MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson, explains how species richness on islands is determined by two main factors: the size of the island and its distance from the mainland. Larger islands tend to support more species because they offer greater habitats and resources, while closer islands have easier access for species to migrate. The balance between immigration (new species arriving) and extinction (species disappearing) shapes biodiversity. This theory helps us understand not just island ecosystems, but also habitat fragmentation and conservation efforts on the mainland.