Question

based on the theory of island biogeography, which of the following is the most likely reason that an island in the ocean that is 5 kilometers from a continent would have a higher number of species than one that is 15 kilometers from a continent?
a there are more species that have the ability to travel 5 kilometers than can travel 15 kilometers.
b islands that are closer to continents always have a wider range of habitats than more distant islands do.
c there are smaller populations of each species on islands that are at greater distances from continents.
d islands that are closer to continents always have more ecological niches than more distant islands do.

Explanation:

According to the theory of island biogeography, the distance of an island from a continent affects species immigration. Islands closer to continents (like 5 km) are more accessible to a greater number of species that can travel the shorter distance compared to the longer 15 - km distance. Options B and D are incorrect because the range of habitats and number of ecological niches are not directly related to distance from the continent in this context. Option C is about population size, not the number of species.

Answer:

A. There are more species that have the ability to travel 5 kilometers than can travel 15 kilometers.