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Biogeography and distribution of species

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Biogeography and Distribution of Species

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. It helps us understand how and why species are distributed where they are and provides insights into the mechanisms driving these patterns.

Historical Biogeography

Historical biogeography examines how the Earth's landmasses have moved and changed over time, affecting the distribution of species. For example, the breakup of Pangaea led to the formation of different continents, isolating species and driving the evolution of unique flora and fauna in different regions.

Ecological Biogeography

Ecological biogeography studies the present-day distribution of species and how environmental factors influence their range. It considers factors such as climate, habitat, and species interactions to explain why certain species are found in specific regions.

Island Biogeography

Island biogeography focuses on the study of species diversity and abundance on islands. Islands provide natural laboratories to study factors such as island size, distance from the mainland, and habitat diversity that influence species richness and endemism.

In conclusion, biogeography plays a crucial role in understanding the distribution of species and ecosystems. By studying the patterns of species distribution, biogeographers can uncover the processes driving evolution, extinction, and the formation of biodiversity hotspots around the world.

 

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