A forested island in the Pacific Ocean is shrinking as a result of rising sea levels.Based on the concept of island biogeography, what is the likely effect of the island's loss of land area on the species diversity of the island?
A) Species diversity will increase because rising sea levels will bring more species from other areas.
B) Species diversity will decrease because the island will be farther from its source of new species.
C) Species diversity will decrease because declining resources and increasing competition will increase extinction rates.
D) Species diversity will remain stable; populations will decline but not to the point of extinction.
E) Species diversity will not change because sea levels will rise slowly and land area will decrease only slightly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the land area of the island shrinks, resources will become more limited, leading to increased competition among species. This will ultimately increase extinction rates, causing a decrease in species diversity. Additionally, the island will be farther from its source of new species, as noted in choice B. Choices A, D, and E are unlikely outcomes based on current research and understanding of island biogeography.

A Forested Island in the Pacific Ocean Is Shrinking as a Result