refugium(pl. refugia) An isolated area where extensive changes, most typically due to changing climate, have not occurred. Plants and animals formerly characteristic of the region in general find a refuge from unfavourable conditions in these areas. An example might be a mountain summit projecting above a glaciated lowland region or a part of the Amazon rain forest that did not experience a seasonal climate during Pleistocene glaciations. See also relict.

refugium (pl. refugia) A small isolated area where extensive changes, most typically arising from changing climate, have not occurred. Plants and animals formerly characteristic of the region in general now find a refuge from the new unfavourable conditions in these areas. An example might be a mountain summit projecting above a glaciated lowland region. See also RELICT.