The Theory of Island Biogeography (Robert MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson)

The Theory of Island Biogeography, developed by Robert MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson, explains how the number of species on an island is determined by a balance between immigration and extinction rates. When an island is near the mainland, new species arrive more often, and extinction rates are lower, leading to greater diversity. Conversely, large islands support more species because they have more resources and habitats, reducing extinction. Over time, this balance results in a relatively stable number of species. The theory helps us understand biodiversity patterns on islands and isolated habitats worldwide.