Why are so many niches available on recently devastated islands such as Galapago's island?
Please do not keep posting the same question. I've already asked you twice to clarify your question!
sorrry,i did not give you the book and the page number.
The availability of many niches on recently devastated islands like the Galapagos is primarily due to a process called ecological succession. Ecological succession refers to the progressive and predictable changes that occur in an ecosystem after a disturbance, such as a volcanic eruption, wildfire, or other natural disaster.
When a devastating event occurs, it often leads to the destruction of existing habitats and the loss of many species. However, these disturbances create opportunities for new species to colonize and thrive in the newly available resources and niches.
After a volcanic eruption, for example, the land is stripped of vegetation and wildlife, leaving a relatively barren landscape. Over time, through a process known as primary succession, pioneer species like lichens and mosses colonize the bare rock. These organisms contribute to soil formation and provide a foundation for the establishment of other species.
As the ecosystem gradually recovers, more complex plants, like grasses and shrubs, begin to grow, attracting new herbivores to the area. This, in turn, creates opportunities for carnivores to fill the niche of predator. Over time, a diverse array of species can occupy different niches within the ecosystem, leading to increased biodiversity.
The Galapagos Islands, famous for their unique and diverse wildlife, have a long history of volcanic activity. The volcanic eruptions and subsequent recolonization events have played a significant role in the formation of the islands' distinct ecosystems and the evolution of endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
So, the availability of numerous niches on recently devastated islands is a result of the natural process of ecological succession, where a disturbance creates opportunities for new species to establish and flourish in the newly formed habitats.