Final answer:
True, the theory of island biogeography suggests that larger islands support more species than smaller islands due to factors like migration, speciation, and smaller extinction rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Theory of Island Biogeography
True. The theory of island biogeography, developed by Robert H. MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson, indeed predicts that larger islands tend to have more species compared to smaller ones. This prediction is based on various factors such as migration, speciation, and extinction rates. Larger islands offer more niches and have a higher probability of immigration due to their size and easier detectability. They also support larger, more diverse habitats, which promote speciation while also sustaining larger populations that are less prone to extinction.
Similarly, conservation preserves act as land-based islands, where the same principles apply — larger preserves support more species diversity. This principle is foundational for optimal preserve design aimed at maintaining biodiversity. The dynamic equilibrium between species colonization and extinction is essential for understanding this concept, which is also applicable to marine environments where smaller ranged species tend to be more concentrated.