Abstract
The theory of evolution by natural selection has its origins in the Galapagos Islands and Malay Archipelago. The discipline of Biogeography began with the study of island life. Island biogeography revolutionized perspectives on community structure and biodiversity and our understanding of ecology, evolution, and speciation continue to grow through seminal studies of biotas isolated on islands and mountain-tops, and in lakes, ponds, and valleys. Studies of island-like reserves and habitat fragments have raised awareness of conservation, invasion, and extinction. Yet studies of ÔmarineÕ islands are incredibly rare. To understand why, we need to know, what is an island?