Saariöbiogeografia

Saariöbiogeografia, often translated as island biogeography, is a scientific discipline that studies the factors affecting the number, size, and distribution of species on islands. It emerged as a distinct field of study in the mid-20th century, significantly influenced by the work of Robert MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson. Their seminal book, "The Theory of Island Biogeography" (1967), laid the foundation for much of the subsequent research in this area.

The core principles of island biogeography revolve around immigration and extinction rates. The theory posits that larger islands tend to support more species than smaller islands because they offer greater habitat diversity and resources. Similarly, islands closer to a mainland source of species generally have higher immigration rates and thus a greater number of species than more isolated islands. Conversely, extinction rates are predicted to be higher on smaller and more isolated islands due to limited resources and smaller population sizes, making them more vulnerable to disturbances.

This framework has proven useful not only for understanding true oceanic islands but also for analyzing habitat fragments within terrestrial landscapes. Areas like mountaintops, forest patches, or lakes can be viewed as "islands" in a "sea" of unsuitable habitat. Consequently, the principles of island biogeography have found applications in conservation biology, informing strategies for designing nature reserves and managing endangered species populations within fragmented environments. Research continues to refine and expand upon these foundational concepts, incorporating factors such as island age, evolutionary processes, and human impacts.