The song of the dodo highlights on ecological diversity
Date
Island biogeography is a theory postulated in biogeographically studies that tries to explain richness of species and diversity in isolated ecosystems. It also explains factors that influence the diversity and richness of these separated ecosystems. The theory postulates that richness and diversity of species in an isolated ecological system is determined by immigration, emigration, extinction and isolating distance as well as the size of the ecosystem. Quammen highlights and elaborates on this theory in his book titled “The song of the dodo”. Quammen writes about the effects of separation and size of ecosystems on the diversity and richness of species in an ecosystem. His book sheds light on the conservationist debate on ‘single large or several small’ (SLOSS) (121).He exemplifies ecosystem fragmentation to the falling apart of tapestry on small, cut pieces of a Persian carpet. His book highlights important factors that contribute to reduction in species diversity, numbers within a species and how this eventually leads to extinction.Firstly, he argues that the smaller the size of the ecosystem the less diverse the ecosystem. This is due to the fact that smaller areas can only support fewer species which in turn can only support few other species that rely on them for survival or co-existence.
Therefore; if split into smaller parts an ecosystem is bound to disintegrate and lose certain species.Secondly, he states that human activity is a major factor that can influence species diversity in an ecosystem. As an example, activities like fragmentation of reserved conservatories by establishment of infrastructure or any other human developments reduces diversity considerably. This is due to the fact that these developments impede the processes of migration and emigration of fauna within the ecosystem.Thirdly, he argues that the degree of separation also determines diversity and decimation of certain species. The longer the separating distance the lesser the chances of interaction between ecosystems and, therefore; the number of species stagnates or drops as a result of extinctions (Quammen, 76).The fourth point in his argument about diversity and extinction is that the length of separation time also plays a similar role. Long separation time impedes diversity by reducing chances of migration and emigration.Finally, he states that diversity and richness of an ecosystem provides a basis for a more migrations into an ecosystem because more niches and interrelations are created.
Works cited
Quammen, David. The Song of the Dodo. New York: Scribner Publishers, 1997. Print.
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