zoogeography

views updated Jun 27 2018

zoogeography The study of the geographical distributions of animals. The earth can be divided into several faunal regions separated by natural barriers, such as oceans, deserts, and mountain ranges. The characteristics of the fauna of each region are believed to depend particularly (but not wholly) on the process of continental drift and the stage of evolution reached when the various land masses became isolated. For example Australia, which has been isolated since Cretaceous times, has the most primitive native mammalian fauna, consisting solely of marsupials and monotremes. See also Wallace's line.

zoogeography

views updated May 23 2018

zoogeography The study of the geographical distribution of animals at different taxonomic levels, particularly of mammals from the order down to species level. Emphasis is given to the explanation of distinctive patterns in terms of past and/or present factors, particularly migration routes.

zoogeography

views updated May 29 2018

zoogeography The study of the geographical distribution of animals at different taxonomic levels, particularly of mammals from the order down to species level. Emphasis is given to the explanation of distinctive patterns in terms of past and/or present factors, particularly migration routes.

zoogeographical zone

views updated May 23 2018

zoogeographical zone A geographical unit that is distinguished by a fauna which is more or less distinctive at the species, genus, family, or order level, by virtue of its habitat, or past or present isolation.

zoogeographical zone

views updated Jun 27 2018

zoogeographical zone A geographical unit that is distinguished by a fauna which is more or less distinctive at the species, genus, family, or order level, by virtue of its habitat, or past or present isolation.

zoogeographical region

views updated May 18 2018

zoogeographical region See faunal region.

zoogeographical region

views updated May 08 2018

zoogeographical region See FAUNAL REALM.

zoogeographical region

views updated May 21 2018

zoogeographical region See FAUNAL REGION.