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AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardExam QuestionsUnit 2: The Living World: BiodiversityIsland Biogeography

Island Biogeography (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

4 mins4 questions
11 mark

Researchers want to assess the impact of invasive species on native island species. Which of the following would be the best hypothesis for the experiment?

  • Invasive species have no significant effect on the population sizes of native island species.

  • Invasive species increase the biodiversity of native island ecosystems.

  • Invasive species decrease the population sizes of native island species through predation or competition.

  • Invasive species enhance the resilience of native island species to environmental changes.

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21 mark

Which of the following best explains the relationship between island size and biodiversity?

  • Island size does not affect biodiversity; only the distance from the mainland matters.

  • Larger islands have higher extinction rates due to increased competition among species. 

  • Larger islands support higher biodiversity because they have more resources and diverse habitats, leading to lower extinction rates.

  • Smaller islands support higher biodiversity because they are easier for species to colonize.

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31 mark

Which of the following explains why small, isolated islands have a higher extinction rate compared to larger, less isolated islands?

  • Large islands have fewer predators, which reduces extinction rates.

  • Isolated islands receive more frequent immigration of new species, leading to competition and extinction.

  • Small islands have a higher primary productivity, which leads to more competition and extinction.

  • Small islands have fewer resources and smaller populations, making species more vulnerable to environmental changes and random events.

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41 mark

Researchers analyzed biodiversity on four different islands. Based on the collected data, which island is most likely to have the highest biodiversity?

Island 

Distance from Mainland (kilometers) 

Area (hectares)

A

35

100

B

35

20,000

C

500

100

D

500

20,000

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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