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Island Biogeography Lab

Last updated over 3 years ago
7 questions

Simulating the Theory of Island Biogeography


MacArthur and Wilson developed the theory of island biogeography by counting species on different size mangrove islands on the Florida Coast. In this activity we will simulate the theory of island biogeography. We will observe how habitat size, distance from the mainland, and dispersal mechanisms influence potential colonization and species richness on various islands.

Procedure

  1. Identify the starting spot in the parking lot, this is your MAINLAND.
  2. Take two pieces of poster board and label them Island 1 and Island 2 - these represent large islands. Cut the third piece of poster board in half, and label the pieces Island 3 and Island 4 - these represent small islands.
  3. Place your islands in the ocean at the following distances from the mainland:
  4. Island 1 is located close to the mainland, approximately 4-5 feet from the shoreline.
  5. Island 3 is also located close to the mainland, approximately 4-5 feet from the shoreline.
  6. Island 2 is located far from the mainland, approximately 8-10 feet from the shoreline.
  7. Island 4 is also located far from the mainland, approximately 8-10 feet from the shoreline.
  8. The 5 clothespins, 5 beads, 5 toothpicks, 5 beans, 5 cotton balls, and 5 pennies represent 30 individuals from 6 different species that will be attempting to colonize the islands.
  9. Beginning with Island 4 attempt to colonize the island by tossing the 5 individuals of each species toward the island. If the individual lands on the poster board then it lives on to reproduce and colonize the island. If it does not land on the poster board, then it drowns in the water.
  10. Record how many of each species land on the island in the data table below.
  11. Send out a “search and rescue” team to recover the 30 individuals.
  12. Repeat the procedure for Island 3, Island 2, and Island 1.
5

Fill in the table with your data from your trials.

Data Analysis & Questions

Construct a graph of your data, comparing the island location and the number of each species that migrated to that island. Use the graph you create to answer the following questions.
4

Insert your graph below.

2

Which island had the greatest number and variety of species? Did your results model the theory of island biogeography?

2

Each island has an equilibrium point for the ideal number of species. What would happen to an island’s community if a new species colonizes an island already at equilibrium?

2

Were all “species” able to disperse effectively? Give some examples of organisms that would be more likely to colonize an island and examples of species that would be unable to disperse to an island.

2

What other ecosystems resemble islands? List at least two and explain why they are similar to islands.

3

Habitat fragmentation due to deforestation and road construction can create terrestrial islands. Therefore the theory of island biogeography is becoming increasingly significant when considering conservation efforts. Based on your data, would you recommend your community generate a few small green spaces for wildlife habitat, or one single large green space for wildlife? Why do you suggest this?