Chapter 16, Problem 1SA

The number of species on an island usually depends on the size of the island and its distance from a mainland. This statement would most likely be made by _______.

a. an explorer	c. a geologist
b. a biogeographer	d. a philosopher

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The branch of science that deals with the study of the relationship between the organisms with their geography are known as biogeography. A biogeographer tries to understand the development, evolution, and prevalence of organisms based on their environment.

Answer to Problem 1SA

Correct answer:

The study of the organisms with respect to their environment and its impact on its evolution and development is called biogeography. The number of species in an area with respect to the “size of the area” will be studied by a biogeographer. Hence, the correct answer is option b.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

Option b. is given as “biogeographer.”

A biogeographer establishes the relationship between the species and their prevalence based on the geographical location and rate of evolution depending on its environment.

Reason for incorrect answer:

Option a. is given as, “an explorer.”

Explorer voyages around different parts of the world to discover what has not been found or explored. Hence, option a. is incorrect.

Option c. is given as, “a geologist.”

A geologist studies the patterns of the soil and rocks of Earth. Hence, option c. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as, “a philosopher.”

A philosopher is concerned about the fundamental issues like knowledge, matter, values, benefits, reasons and so on. Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Hence, the options a., c., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

The number of species in a geographical location like the island, its dependence on the size of the island and its distance from the mainland can be evaluated by a biogeographer. Thus, the correct option is b.