The 60th anniversary of the equilibrium theory in island biogeography: Problems of testing, results of field studies, and applied importance

Publications dealing with the analysis of species richness of island biological communities and habitat islands based on the equilibrium theory of island biogeography by MacArthur and Wilson (1963) are reviewed. Principal statements of the theory, its shortcomings, problems, and test results are considered. Also, possibilities are appraised for using recommendations developed based on the theory in nature conservation.