Activity 2.3 Island Biogeography Simulation Report

 

Activity 2.3 – Island Biodiversity Technical Report

Malik Hamideh

Northeast Lakeview Community College

ENVR-1302-002

Professor Walker

12 February 2024

First paragraph: Introduction

Second paragraph: Data collection and analysis

Third paragraph: Discussion

Fourth paragraph: References

Links to research: Spreadsheet- Island Biodiversity (Core Activity) , Analysis Results - Island Biodiversity - activity 2.2, Activity 2.1 media and background - Activity 2.1 - Island Biodiversity (Core Activity)

1.0 Introduction

The diversity of living forms on Earth, or biodiversity, is essential to the resilience and sustainability of the planet as well as serving as a monument to its evolutionary past. The complex network of many species, ecosystems, and genetic variants is essential to preserving ecosystems' health and functionality, which in turn supports life as we know it on Earth. Every component of biodiversity—from the smallest creatures in soil to the massive trees of the rainforest—contributes to vital ecosystem services including nutrient cycling, pollination, and temperature regulation.

Understanding how species and ecosystems are distributed over space and time is known as biogeography, and it can help us understand the patterns and mechanisms that influence biodiversity. Through the analysis of many elements that impact species distribution, migratory trends, and biome development, biogeographers reveal the complex interrelationships among geography, ecology, and evolution. This multidisciplinary area combines insights from geology, climatology, biology, ecology, and other disciplines to clarify the intricate relationships underlying the cycles of biodiversity.

2.0 Data Collection and Analysis

What I had thoroughly initiated to make sure that both islands during both tests are to make sure that the criteria are followed through. The first set from the tests was “No Manipulation” meaning that everything stays the same from the start at an 8x speed. There are two different trials for two different islands. The habitat type I used in this research is tropical. The taxon type I also used in the duration of the research was arthropods. The measurement type that was used during the research was to calculate how many species were in both trials and on both islands. Factors that were also planned to be studied were the average number of species, islands total, and the top two most abundant species.

The second set of the research was titled “Distance Manipulation.” The second set of research was supposed to measure how the trials were to be affected by moving the distance of one of the islands in kilometers. In my case, the second island was moved to two kilometers and the first island was left 10 kilometers apart from each other. Migration and mortality rates also stayed the same at two for migration and 0.05 for morality.

The third set of the research was titled “ Size Manipulation.” The purpose of this set was to see how the arthropods would react if the size of one of the islands changed. The size of island number two was changed to 160 kilometers. The current and average number of species for island number two stayed consistent in number 7. The total number for island number two in both trials stayed below twenty with the first trial being fifteen and the second trial being thirteen. 

An island’s size has a significant impact on biodiversity patterns; bigger regions often sustain higher species richness and more ecological complexity. Large, complete habitats must be preserved and restored to sustain biodiversity and guarantee the long-term resilience and health of ecosystems.

The fourth set of the research was titled “ Size Plus Distance Manipulation.” In this set of research, the distance and size of both islands were changed to see how the species would react in both trials. The distance and size for island number one were changed to 10 kilometers in distance and 256 kilometers in size. For island number two, the distance was changed to 50 kilometers and the size was changed to 224 kilometers.

The fifth set of the research is titled “ Migration and Morality Manipulation.” In this set of research, the morality and migration rates for both of the islands were changed to four for migration and  0.08 for morality. Seasonal migrations move large numbers of animals across often vast distances. Such movement shifts large amounts of biomass from one region to another, but, perhaps more importantly, moves animals that eat, excrete, and sometimes die in multiple remote systems (Bauer, S., & Hoye, B. J., 2014). The current number of species in the first trial for both islands was 10. For trial number two the current number of species of both islands was also 10. The island totals of both islands in trial one were 37 for island one and 34 for island two. The island totals of both islands in trial two were 40 for island one and 48 for island two.

3.0 Discussion

The analysis of the findings from the experiments on the two islands. Navigating the way the islands altered the arthropods' environment—whether it was because of their size or distance—was an extremely difficult task. We also examined the many ways in which the death rates and modification altered the average and current number of species for both trials on both islands.

In order to make sense of the patterns, causes, and consequences of biodiversity dynamics, it is necessary to analyze a variety of components of research study results when interpreting biodiversity. In order to ascertain the level of biodiversity present, researchers would first evaluate the species richness and diversity metrics derived from the study region and compare them to recognized benchmarks or reference locations. 

In addition, scientists would investigate the variables that affect biodiversity, including anthropogenic pressures, disturbance regimes, and habitat quality. Through the identification of principal drivers of biodiversity change, the underlying mechanisms influencing the structure and function of ecosystems may be clarified.

Interpreting biodiversity studies also entails taking conservation and environmental management into account. Researchers would assess the success of the conservation tactics in place and make suggestions for reducing risks to biodiversity, such as invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change.

 Evaluating the possible effects of alterations in species composition and abundance on the provision of crucial ecological functions. In general, interpreting the findings of a biodiversity research necessitates a thorough comprehension of natural processes in addition to taking society values and management goals into account.

References

Bauer, S., & Hoye, B. J. (2014). Migratory animals couple biodiversity and ecosystem functioning worldwide. Science, 344(6179), 1242552.

Virtual Biology Lab - An Inquiry-Based Learning Environment. Island Biogeography - Virtual Biology Lab. (n.d.). http://virtualbiologylab.org/ModelsHTML5/IslandBiogeography/IslandBiogeography.html