AP Environmental Science Podcast | Island Biogeography

In this podcast we focus on island biogeography, examining how the distribution and interaction of species on islands are influenced by island size, distance from the mainland, and the presence of invasive species. We highlight the relationship between island size and species number, known as the species-area curve, and explain that larger islands tend to have more species due to their greater resources. We also emphasize that islands closer to the mainland have higher species diversity because they are more easily colonized. Additionally, we discuss how invasive species can threaten island biodiversity, especially given the specialization and vulnerability of endemic species that have evolved in isolation.