An island is a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water, while a continent is a large landmass that is not surrounded by water and is usually part of a larger landmass. Additionally, an island is typically smaller in size than a continent.
| Island | Continent |
|---|---|
| A landmass that is surrounded by water | A large landmass that is not surrounded by water |
| Typically smaller in size | Typically larger in size |
| Often composed of volcanic or coral material | Often composed of a variety of rock types |
| May have a diverse range of plant and animal life | May have a diverse range of plant and animal life |
| Often part of a larger archipelago or chain of islands | Often not part of a larger landmass |
Island
An island is a piece of land that is surrounded by water. It can be of various sizes and shapes, and can be formed by a variety of natural processes such as volcanic activity, erosion, or the rising of sea levels.
Islands can be found in oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. They can be uninhabited or home to a variety of plant and animal life, and may also be home to human communities. Some examples of famous islands include Madagascar, Hawaii, and the Galapagos Islands.
Continent
A continent is a large landmass that is not surrounded by water. The seven continents are Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and South America.
They are generally larger than islands and have a wide range of physical and climatic features. They are made up of a variety of rock types and can contain diverse plant and animal life.
Continents are also home to a wide variety of human cultures and societies, with some of the oldest known civilizations having developed on continents. Continents are also the location of many major cities, and important economic, political, and cultural centers.