a 163 square - kilometer (km²) small island is found 2,000 km from the mainland. a second, larger, 230,000…

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?\na the rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island.\nb the small island has niches that are more like the mainland than the large island.\nc the small island has more available resources than the large island.\nd the rate of species extinction is lower on the small island than on the large island.

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?\na the rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island.\nb the small island has niches that are more like the mainland than the large island.\nc the small island has more available resources than the large island.\nd the rate of species extinction is lower on the small island than on the large island.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

According to the theory of island biogeography, larger islands closer to the mainland have higher immigration rates (due to being closer to sources of colonizing species) and lower extinction rates (because larger size can support more species and resources). The small island is farther from the mainland ((2000) km vs (1000) km for the large island) and smaller in size ((163) (km^{2}) vs (230000) (km^{2})).

  • Option A: Since the small island is farther from the mainland, it is less likely to receive colonizing species. Immigration rate is related to distance from the mainland (closer = higher immigration). So, the rate of immigration is lower for the small island than for the large island.
  • Option B: There is no indication that the small island's niches are more like the mainland. In fact, the large island is closer to the mainland and might have more similar niches (due to easier species transfer and potential similar environmental gradients).
  • Option C: Larger islands generally have more available resources (more space for habitats, more diverse ecosystems etc.). The large island ((230000) (km^{2})) has more resources than the small ((163) (km^{2})) island.
  • Option D: Smaller islands have higher extinction rates. Smaller size means smaller population sizes (more vulnerable to stochastic events like natural disasters, less genetic diversity) and potentially fewer resources to support species.

Answer:

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