The Rise and Fall of Island Species
In the mid-1800s, Charles Darwin observed and collected organisms in the Galapagos Islands. His fieldwork led to theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution. About a century later, mathematician and ecologist Robert H. MacArthur also studied species found on islands. With taxonomist and zoo geographer Edward O. Wilson, MacArthur developed the theory that provided the title to their book, The Theory of Island Biogeography. Biogeography is the study of the geographical distribution of plants and animals. Today this field has increasing relevance for ecologists and for all who care about the survival of species.
