Question

a 163 square - kilometer (km²) small island is found 2,000 km from the mainland. a second, larger, 230,000 km² island is found 1,000 km from the mainland. based on the theory of island biogeography, which of the following statements is most likely true about the small island when compared with the large island?
a the rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island.
b the small island has niches that are more like the mainland than the large island.
c the small island has more available resources than the large island.
d the rate of species extinction is lower on the small island than on the large island.

Explanation:

According to the theory of island biogeography, smaller and more distant islands have lower immigration rates. The small island is smaller in size (\(163\ km^{2}\) vs \(230000\ km^{2}\)) and more distant (\(2000\ km\) vs \(1000\ km\)) from the mainland compared to the large island.

• Option A: Since the small island is more distant, the rate of immigration (species reaching the island) is lower. This aligns with the theory.
• Option B: There is no indication from the given data (size and distance) that the small - island's niches are more like the mainland.
• Option C: Larger islands (\(230000\ km^{2}\) vs \(163\ km^{2}\)) generally have more available resources.
• Option D: Smaller islands have higher species extinction rates due to smaller population sizes and less diverse habitats.

Answer:

A. The rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island.