Tethyan realm

views updated

Tethyan realm The faunal realm based in the region of the Tethys Sea. Characteristically Jurassic to Cretaceous in age, it comprised a warm-water, tropical to subtropical fauna and flora. The name may also be applied to warm-water fauna and flora of Mesozoic age outside the area of Tethys, especially when used in contrast to the Boreal (northern) and Austral (southern) Realms.

More From encyclopedia.com