Of the following four islands at the same latitude,which one likely possesses the fewest species?
A) 1,000 square kilometers in area and 300 km from the mainland
B) 3,000 square kilometers in area and 100 km from the mainland
C) 100 square kilometers in area and 3,000 km from the mainland
D) 300 square kilometers in area and 1,000 km from the mainland
E) All islands are at the same latitude, so they are all likely to have the same species richness.

Question

Of the following four islands at the same latitude,which one likely possesses the fewest species?  
A) 1,000 square kilometers in area and 300 km from the mainland
B) 3,000 square kilometers in area and 100 km from the mainland
C) 100 square kilometers in area and 3,000 km from the mainland
D) 300 square kilometers in area and 1,000 km from the mainland
E) All islands are at the same latitude, so they are all likely to have the same species richness.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theory of island biogeography states that smaller islands will have fewer species than larger islands, and islands farther from the mainland will have fewer species than islands closer to the mainland. Therefore, the island that is both the smallest in area and farthest from the mainland (Option C) is likely to have the fewest species.

Of the Following Four Islands at the Same Latitude,which One