Question

developers in florida are building a new theme park that includes several tropical gardens. their goal is that the gardens become self - sustaining through good conservation practices. they have taken into account the carrying capacity of the gardens, the food webs, niches, and interspecific competition of the species they plan to include. the last task is to design the lay - out of the garden habitats within the park. according to island theory, which layout is best and why? a a. one habitat is always better than multiple for survival. b b. dispersal and movement is easier in a straight path or corridor. c c. decreasing distance between habitats increases the likelihood of interaction. d d. increasing the distance between habitats decreases the likelihood of predation.

Explanation:

Island theory (island biogeography) emphasizes that closer habitats (islands) have higher species interaction and colonization rates. Option C aligns with this: reduced distance between habitats boosts interaction likelihood, supporting self-sustainability. Other options are incorrect: A is false (multiple habitats can aid resilience), B is not core to island theory, D is unsupported (distance doesn’t directly reduce predation likelihood).

Answer:

C. Decreasing distance between habitats increases the likelihood of interaction.