The MacArthur-Wilson Theory of island biogeography explains species diversity on islands through the balance of immigration and extinction.
Key Principles
- Immigration rate decreases as island fills with species
- Extinction rate increases with more species (competition)
- Equilibrium reached where immigration = extinction
Distance & Area Effects
- Closer islands: Higher immigration (easier to reach)
- Larger islands: Lower extinction (more resources)
- Species-area relationship: S = cA^z
Applications
Used in conservation biology for reserve design (SLOSS debate), habitat fragmentation effects, and predicting biodiversity patterns.