Final answer:
The concept of an island as any isolated habitat is false; islands have unique biodiversity due to isolation but can also suffer from habitat loss. Isolated habitats are crucial for conservation strategies and are influenced by island biogeography theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that an island can be identified as any isolated habitat is false. An island is traditionally understood as a landmass surrounded by water. However, the term "island" can also be metaphorically extended to refer to isolated habitats, such as "island of trees" in a desert or a "montane island" of high elevation habitats surrounded by different ecosystems. These isolated habitats can provide conditions for species formation due to their separation from other populations.
Islands are important for biodiversity as they often contain a number of endemic species. Environmental biology shows that geographically isolated areas, including islands, have allowed for unique species evolution due to reduced competition and migration from mainland species. It has been recognized that islands, including both real islands surrounded by water and metaphorical 'islands' of isolated habitat, suffer heavy habitat loss which can directly impact the biodiversity they support.
When planning for ecological preserves, conservationists may consider islands as foundations for preserve design due to their high diversity of species and potential for conservation. Major threats to these ecosystems include invasive species and habitat destruction, highlighting the need for well-designed preserves to maintain biodiversity. The island biogeography theory developed by MacArthur and Wilson shows the relationship between island size, isolation, and biodiversity, which informs preserve design.