Scientists by Environmental Issue: Island Biodiversity Although it may sound strange, the world is actually made up entirely of islands because even the continents are surrounded by water. Each of these “islands” has its own unique collection of plants, animals, and ecosystems. Small and remote oceanic islands like Madagascar and the Philippines are home to an amazing abundance of unique species. Many of these species are endemic—found nowhere else in the world—since their plants and animals evolved in relative isolation. Unfortunately, biodiversity on small islands is more susceptible to extinction from human activities and natural factors, including disease, fire, deforestation, and population fluctuations. Learn how Field Museum scientists are helping to create new national parks where they can study these “natural laboratories” and identify the factors that threaten the survival of island ecosystems. Select which scientist you’d like to meet first: Alex Dehgan—Mammals of Madagascar John Engel—Liverworts of New Zealand and the Falkland Islands John Flynn—Mammals of Madagascar Steve Goodman—Vertebrates of Madagascar Sabine Huhndorf—Fungi of the Caribbean Islands Matt von Konrat—Liverworts of New Zealand Robert Martin—Primates of Madagascar Trina Roberts—Fruit Bats in The Philippines Rob Stuebing—Snakes and Crocodiles of Borneo Fui Lian Tan—Amphibians and Reptiles of Borneo David Willard—Birds of Madagascar   back to Scientist by Environmental Issue >>   continue to Biodiversity In The Neotropics >> Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits The purpose of my research is to improve understanding of extinction and is therefore intimately related to goals of conservation. —Alex Dehgan GIS and Remote Sensing, Mammals The Field Museum