Answer:
The most likely reason that an island in the ocean that is 5 kilometers from a continent would have a higher number of species than one that is 15 kilometers from a continent is:
"Islands that are closer to continents always have more ecological niches than more distant islands do."
This statement is in line with the theory of island biogeography, which suggests that islands closer to continents generally have more species because they provide more ecological opportunities and habitats for species to colonize and establish populations. Closer islands have a higher chance of receiving colonizers from the nearby continent and are also more likely to have a wider range of ecological niches, which can support a greater variety of species.
Step-by-step explanation:
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