According to the theory of seafloor spreading, oceanic islands, such as the Hawaiian Islands, form as oceanic crustal plates move over a stationary "hot spot" in the mantle. Currently, the big island of Hawaii is thought to be over a hot spot, which is why it is the only one of the seven large islands that has active volcanoes. What should be true of the island of Hawaii?
I. Scientists in search of ongoing speciation events are more likely to find them here than on the other six large islands.
II. Its species should be more closely related to those of nearer islands than to those of farther islands.
III. It should have a rich fossil record of terrestrial organisms.
IV. It should have species that are not found anywhere else on Earth.
V. On average, it should have fewer species per-unit surface area than the other six islands.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

I is likely true as the island of Hawaii's unique geological history and ongoing volcanic activity could provide opportunities for speciation. 
II is likely true as the island of Hawaii is geographically closer to other islands, such as Maui and Oahu, than to the more distant islands of Kauai or Niihau. 
IV is likely true as the island's isolation, along with its unique environmental conditions, may have led to the evolution of distinct species. 
V is also likely true as islands that are more isolated and smaller tend to have higher rates of speciation and, therefore, higher numbers of species per-unit surface area, while Hawaii is relatively large and less isolated compared to the other six large islands. 
However, III is not likely to be true because the island of Hawaii is relatively young geologically and its terrain is dominated by volcanic rocks, which may not be conducive to the preservation of fossils.

According to the Theory of Seafloor Spreading, Oceanic Islands, Such