Continental islands are landmasses that are part of a continent but are separated from it by water. They are typically formed by rising sea levels or geological processes that create a gap between the island and the mainland. Examples of continental islands include Greenland and New Guinea. These islands are often characterized by similar flora and fauna to the nearby mainland, as they share a common geological history. Continental islands can vary in size and may host unique ecosystems, but they generally have a closer ecological relationship with the continent than oceanic islands, which are formed from volcanic activity.