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.
Identify the starting spot in the parking lot, this is your MAINLAND.
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.
Place your islands in the ocean at the following distances from the mainland:
Island 1 is located close to the mainland, approximately 4-5 feet from the shoreline.
Island 3 is also located close to the mainland, approximately 4-5 feet from the shoreline.
Island 2 is located far from the mainland, approximately 8-10 feet from the shoreline.
Island 4 is also located far from the mainland, approximately 8-10 feet from the shoreline.
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.
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.
Record how many of each species land on the island in the data table below.
Send out a “search and rescue” team to recover the 30 individuals.
Repeat the procedure for Island 3, Island 2, and Island 1.
