Question

why the islands were considered an especially good system for studying the effect of exotic species.

Answer 1

Ans: To understand this question first we will start with understanding an island: “An island is a body of land surrounded by water”.

Now we will understand what are Exotic Species – So Exotic Species, also referred to as alien, nonnative, nonindigenous, or introduced species, are those that occur in areas outside of their natural geographic range.

Now coming to our question that why the islands were considered an especially good system for studying the effect of exotic species because: Islands are generally depauperate in species richness, trophic complexity, and functional diversity relative to comparable mainland ecosystems.

Due to this situation results in low biotic resistance to invasion and many empty niches for invaders to exploit. It also results in island species being poorly adapted for dealing with predators, herbivores, and strong competitors. Hence, invaders tend to be more successful on oceanic islands.

In simple points:

· Reduced competitive ability due to repeated ''founder effects," i.e., chance events during colonization by small initial populations

· Disharmony of functional groups and relative lack of diversity

· Small populations and genetic variability; restrictive specialization

· Relative lack of adaptability to change; loss of resistance to consumers and disease

· Loss of essential coevolved organisms

· Relative lack of natural disturbance, especially fire, in the evolutionary history of many island biotas

· Intensive exploitation by humans