2023-12-16•Hacker News•Share on Twitter•Share on Linkedin•Copy link
Summary:
Island gigantism is a biological phenomenon where animals on isolated islands grow much larger than their mainland relatives.
This is part of the "island effect" or "Foster's rule," which suggests that small species evolve larger bodies on islands, while large species evolve smaller bodies.
Island gigantism is often a result of the removal of constraints related to predation and competition, allowing animals to grow larger.
Many giant island species have become extinct due to the arrival of humans and introduced predators.
Island gigantism is found in various vertebrate groups and invertebrates, as well as in some plants.