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ENV510 Landscape Ecology and GIS
Definitions
& descriptions | Structure
& pattern | Function
& process | Change
& dynamics | Management
implications
Processes
| Elements | Transformation
| Fragmentation
| Ecosystem
| Equilibrium
| Theory
| Origin
| Debate
| Dynamics
The Theory
of Island Biogeography perceives the number of species found in a habitat patch
to be a function of immigration
and extinction (Scannlan,
1981). Where immigration rate is inversely proportional to the distance
of a patch (island) from its source regions and extinction rate is thought to
decline with increasing area of an island.
The 'Theory'
was originally applied to oceanic islands but was thought to be equally applicable
to terrestrial habitat islands (patches of habitat surrounded by less favourable
habitat). This approach has been used to understand effects of habitat fragmentation.
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