Environmental Science
Why Island Biogeography Explains Species Endemism and Extinction Vulnerability
Quick fact
More than 60% of all animal extinctions over the past few centuries have occurred on islands, despite islands holding less than 5% of Earth's land area.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a single bird that exists only on one volcanic island—if it disappears, the whole species is gone forever. Why do islands house so many unique species, and why are they so fragile?