Topic summary
Robert MacArthur
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Robert H. MacArthur.
The theory of island biogeography
Robert MacArthur, in collaboration with Edward O. Wilson, developed the influential theory of island biogeography, which revolutionized how ecologists understand species diversity and distribution. Their seminal 1967 book, The Theory of Island Biogeography, introduced the concept of a dynamic equilibrium between immigration and extinction rates as determinants of species richness on islands. They also coined the r- and K-selection theory, which describes contrasting reproductive strategies: r-selected species maximize growth rates in unpredictable environments, while K-selected species emphasize efficiency and competition in stable environments.