Island biogeography is not a single-variable discipline: The small island effect debate
Date
2012ISSN
1366-9516Source
Diversity and DistributionsVolume
18Pages
92-96Google Scholar check
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In some island systems, an 'anomalous' feature of species richness on smaller islands, in comparison with larger ones, has been observed. This has been described as the small island effect (SIE). The precise meaning of the term remains unresolved, as does the explanation for the phenomenon and even whether it exists. Dengler (2010 Diversity Distrib, 16, 256-266.) addresses a number of conceptual and methodological issues concerning the nature and the detection of the SIE but fails to settle conclusively most of the issues he raises. We contend that his approach is theoretically flawed, especially in its treatment of habitat diversity. We offer a few suggestions of what is needed to advance understanding of the SIE. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.