AP Environmental Science Practice Quiz: Island Biogeography
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 14 questions to check your progress.
Question 1 of 14
All Questions (14)
A) The geological formation of islands.
B) The ecological relationships and distribution of organisms on islands.
C) The chemical composition of island soils.
D) The patterns of ocean currents around islands.
Correct Answer: B
The provided text defines island biogeography as 'the study of the ecological relationships and distribution of organisms on islands, and of these organisms' community structures.'
A) They evolve directly from non-living matter on the island.
B) They are created by the existing island species.
C) They arrive from elsewhere and colonize the island.
D) They spontaneously generate when resources are abundant.
Correct Answer: C
The content explicitly states, 'Islands have been colonized in the past by new species arriving from elsewhere.'
A) The high number of predators.
B) The stable and unchanging climate.
C) The limited availability of resources.
D) The large geographic area of most islands.
Correct Answer: C
The text explains that 'Many island species have evolved to be specialists versus generalists because of the limited resources on most islands.'
A) It is also a specialist, competing for the exact same resource.
B) It is a generalist, able to outcompete the specialist.
C) It is a species that requires more resources than the specialist.
D) It is a species that cannot adapt to the island environment.
Correct Answer: B
The text states that the survival of specialists is jeopardized 'if invasive species (typically generalists) are introduced and outcompete them.'
A) The organisms' community structures.
B) The history of human settlement.
C) The rate of island erosion.
D) The potential for mineral extraction.
Correct Answer: A
The definition provided in the text includes the study of 'these organisms' community structures.'
A) A new species of grass arrives on an island and provides more food for all native herbivores.
B) A native island bird that eats only one type of snail begins to decline after a new, introduced bird that eats many things, including that snail, arrives.
C) Two specialist species on an island evolve to share a single, limited resource without conflict.
D) A generalist species on an island evolves into a specialist species after resources become more abundant.
Correct Answer: B
This scenario demonstrates how an introduced generalist ('a bird that eats many things') can outcompete and jeopardize the survival of a native specialist ('a bird that eats only one type of snail').
A) Photosynthesis
B) Cellular respiration
C) Evolution
D) Mitosis
Correct Answer: C
The content includes the heading 'Describe the role of island biogeography in evolution' and explains how island species have 'evolved to be specialists.'
A) By introducing novel diseases.
B) By directly predating on the specialists.
C) By outcompeting them for limited resources.
D) By altering the island's physical climate.
Correct Answer: C
The text explicitly states that invasive generalists can 'outcompete' specialists, which jeopardizes their long-term survival.
A) Generalist
B) Specialist
C) Colonizer
D) Community
Correct Answer: B
Based on the context, a species that evolves due to limited resources develops a narrow niche, which is the definition of a specialist.
A) They are highly resistant to change, making them unable to colonize new areas.
B) Their narrow reliance on specific resources makes them susceptible to being outcompeted by more adaptable generalists.
C) They tend to over-consume their limited resources, leading to ecosystem collapse.
D) They cannot evolve further, leaving them genetically stagnant.
Correct Answer: B
The text highlights that the long-term survival of specialists is at risk when generalists are introduced because the generalists can outcompete them, implying that the specialists' narrow niche is a key vulnerability.
A) Specialization
B) Evolution
C) Colonization
D) Competition
Correct Answer: C
The text uses this exact term: 'Islands have been colonized in the past by new species arriving from elsewhere.'
A) All island species are generalists because it helps them survive the journey to the island.
B) Islands are static environments where specialist species thrive without any threats.
C) Limited resources on islands drive the evolution of specialist species, which are then vulnerable to competition from introduced generalists.
D) Invasive species are always specialists that target the most abundant resource on an island.
Correct Answer: C
This statement correctly links the limited resources to the evolution of specialists and identifies the threat posed by the introduction of generalist species, as described in the text.
A) Rocks and minerals
B) Organisms
C) Water sources
D) Weather patterns
Correct Answer: B
The text defines island biogeography as the study of 'organisms on islands' and their ecological relationships and distribution.
A) A slight increase in annual rainfall on the island.
B) The introduction of a new, highly efficient generalist pollinator like the honeybee, which outcompetes the native moth.
C) The evolution of a new color in the plant's flowers.
D) A small, naturally occurring decrease in the moth population for one season.
Correct Answer: B
The plant and its moth have a specialist relationship. The introduction of a generalist (the honeybee) that outcompetes the specialist (the moth) directly reflects the threat dynamic described in the text, which could lead to the moth's decline and the plant's inability to reproduce.