The equilibrium theory of island biogeography predicts that large islands close to the mainland will have more species than small islands that are distant from the mainland. Which of the following factors does not contribute to that prediction? a.) Evolution occurs more rapidly on large islands, thereby increasing species diversity. b.) It is easier for a species to reach an island that is near the mainland than one that is distant. c.) A large island is likely to have greater geographic diversity than a small island, making it more likely that newly arrived species will find appropriate habitats. d.) Large islands support larger populations than small islands. Small populations are more likely to go extinct.

C. A large island is likely to have greater geographic diversity than a small island, making it more likely that newly arrived species will find appropriate habitats.

Explanation:

In 1967, this theory was given E. O Wilson who attempted to predict the number of species that would exist in a newly created environment. The equilibrium theory of biogeography predicts that the equilibrium has to be created between the species of the mainland i. e where the population is already present, second being the island size. The biological productivity hypothesis states that the colonization of islands is stated by the size and distance from the mainland. He denied the target i. e larger island has a large population due to the large size and rescue effects comes from re-colonization and extinction. Islands may colonize by hitchhiking, swimming, fighting, rafting and winds, but with time continue to get diversified. Some examples are islands of Kiribati, line and Phoenix islands.