Here's a more detailed definition:
* Landform: An island is a naturally formed piece of land.
* Surrounded by Water: It's completely encircled by water, be it a sea, ocean, lake, or river.
* Smaller than a Continent: Islands are significantly smaller than continents. This distinction isn't always clear-cut, but generally, continents are much larger landmasses with diverse ecosystems and landforms.
There are different types of islands:
* Continental Islands: Formed from parts of a continent that have become separated by rising sea levels.
* Oceanic Islands: Formed from volcanic activity or coral reef growth, independent of continental landmasses.
* Artificial Islands: Created by humans through land reclamation or other engineering methods.
Key characteristics:
* Isolation: Islands are often isolated from other landmasses, leading to unique ecosystems and evolutionary processes.
* Diverse Habitats: Islands can support a wide variety of habitats, from sandy beaches to mountainous terrain.
* Importance to Biodiversity: Islands are home to a large number of endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
Examples of famous islands:
* Hawaii (USA): A chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean.
* Madagascar: A large island off the coast of Africa, known for its unique wildlife.
* Greenland (Denmark): The world's largest island.
* Manhattan (USA): A densely populated island in New York City.