RQ 9 - The questions below are to accompany Song of the Dodo, “Preston’s Bell," “The Coming Thing,” and "Hedgehog of the Amazon."

This is an important section of the book, because it is here that we begin to expand our focus and look not just at dynamics on islands, but what islands can tell us about the persistence of species in mainland ecosystems.

Preston’s Bell:

In chapter 109, Quammen relates Preston’s “prophetic insight” that “If what we have said is correct, it is not possible to preserve in a State or National Park, a complete replica on a small scale of the fauna and flora of a much larger area.” What are the implications of this, and why do you think Quammen calls it a “prophetic insight?” (1 paragraph)
In chapter 110, the difference between an isolate and a sample is described. What is the difference between them, and why does it matter for the number of species within the isolate or sample? By “why” I mean how might the pattern differ and what mechanism(s) explain this difference? (1 paragraph)
In chapter 111, Quammen describes what may have led to the local extinction of a population of komodo dragons on the islands of Padar. How does this event illustrate some of the points we have discussed about the traits associated with extinction? (1 paragraph)

The Coming Thing:

4. Briefly describe Robert MacArthur and EO Wilson’s theory of island biogeography, that was published in 1963. (1 paragraph)

5. Describe the experiment conducted by Wilson and Dan Simberloff in the mangroves. What was the goal, and what did they find? (1 paragraph)

6. People shortly began to extend the theory of island biogeography to places that were not islands in the literal sense, but were virtual islands. Describe the work done to apply this theory to islands by Jim Brown. How well did it fit the model?

7. In chapter 123, MacArthur and Wilson are quoted, saying “The same principles apply and will apply to an accelerating extent in the future, to formerly continuous natural habitats now being broken up by the encroachment of civilization.” What does this theory predict, with regards to fragmented habitats, and what does it imply with regards to designing nature reserves? (2 paragraphs)