Question

The equilibrium theory of island biogeography states that larger islands will have a lower  rate than small islands because larger islands can support larger populations. Islands that are closer to the mainland will have a higher  rate than ones further away because individuals are more likely to successfully travel to close islands, and a lower extinction rate because the ____________ effect will be higher, preventing declining island populations from going extinct through the arrival of new immigrants.

Answer 1

The equilibrium theory of island biogeography states that larger islands will have a lower rate than small islands because larger islands can support larger populations. Islands that are closer to the mainland will have a higher rate than ones further away because individuals are more likely to successfully travel to close islands, and a lower extinction rate because the Rescue effect will be higher, preventing declining island populations from going extinct through the arrival of new immigrants.

The rate of extinction is decreased due to recolonization and immigration. This is rescue effect which means extinction rates are lower for mainland habitats than for similar island habitats.