centre of origin

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centre of origin A geographical location or local region (often in the tropics) where a particular group of organisms is believed to have originated. Many authorities believe centres of origin are also centres of diversity. For example, there are 6 genera of Palmae (palms) in the lower part of the Amazon basin, twice the number found anywhere else. It is difficult, however, to reconcile this explanation of centres of origin with the concept of allopatric speciation.

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