Children: Biogeography
The Macaronesian Biogeographic Region is a distinct biogeographic area located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It comprises several archipelagos known for their unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The primary components of the Macaronesian region include: 1. **Azores**: An archipelago belonging to Portugal, located about 1,500 kilometers west of the mainland. The islands are known for their volcanic origin and diverse flora and fauna.
Marine biogeochemical cycles refer to the processes that involve the transformation and movement of chemical elements and compounds in marine environments, including oceans, seas, and coastal regions. These cycles are crucial for understanding how life functions in the marine ecosystem, how energy is transferred between living organisms, and how nutrients and chemicals are recycled. There are several key components to marine biogeochemical cycles: 1. **Elements and Compounds**: The primary elements involved include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and others.
The Mediterranean Biogeographic Region is one of several biogeographic regions recognized by the European Environment Agency and other ecological and environmental organizations. It is primarily characterized by its unique climate, diverse ecosystems, and rich biodiversity. Here are some key features of the Mediterranean Biogeographic Region: 1. **Geographical Scope**: This region includes areas around the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing parts of southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia.
"Megadiverse countries" are a small group of nations that harbor the majority of Earth's species and are home to a significant portion of the planet's biodiversity. The term was popularized by the Conservation International organization, which identifies these countries as having high levels of species diversity, particularly in terms of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. There are 17 countries that are typically classified as megadiverse, which are: 1. **Brazil** 2.
The term "Mesozoic–Cenozoic radiation" generally refers to the significant diversification of life forms that occurred during the transition from the Mesozoic Era to the Cenozoic Era, which spans roughly from 66 million years ago to the present. This period is marked by dramatic changes in the Earth's climate, the breakup of continents, and the extinction of many species, notably the non-avian dinosaurs, at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Microbial biogeography is the study of the distribution of microbial populations and communities across different geographical areas and environmental gradients. It aims to understand how various factors, including environmental conditions, geological features, climate, and human activities, influence the diversity, composition, and abundance of microbial life.
Native species are organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, that originate and naturally occur in a specific geographical area or ecosystem. These species have evolved to thrive in their environment and have established relationships with other species and the habitat in which they live. Key characteristics of native species include: 1. **Evolutionary History**: Native species have adapted to the local climate, soil, and conditions over many generations.
The Neotropical realm is one of the major biogeographic regions of the world, encompassing a vast area of the Americas, including much of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is characterized by a rich diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the region due to its varied ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests, savannas, deserts, and mountainous areas.
Zealandia, sometimes referred to as Neozealandia, is a submerged continent that is mostly underwater, with only a small portion—primarily New Zealand and some surrounding islands—exposed above sea level. It is estimated to cover an area of about 4.9 million square kilometers (1.9 million square miles), making it one of the largest known submerged landmasses.
"Northern Highlands" can refer to several different concepts or places, depending on the context: 1. **Geographic Region**: In a geographic context, "Northern Highlands" typically refers to elevated areas in the northern part of a country or region. For instance, in Scotland, the term could refer to the northern part of the Highlands, known for its rugged landscapes, mountains, and cultural heritage.
"Northern Provinces" can refer to different regions depending on the context. Here are a few possible interpretations: 1. **South Africa**: Historically, the term "Northern Provinces" was used to refer to the provinces in the northern part of South Africa, specifically the provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and parts of Gauteng. However, the term is less commonly used in contemporary discussions, as South Africa's provinces have undergone changes and rebranding since the end of apartheid.
The Nunatak Hypothesis is a concept in glaciology and paleogeography that seeks to explain the distribution of certain species, particularly plants and animals, during periods of glaciation. According to this hypothesis, during ice ages, some areas of land, known as nunataks, were not completely covered by ice. These nunataks acted as refuges or safe havens for various species, allowing them to survive when surrounding areas were glaciated.
The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) is a global, collaborative initiative aimed at providing access to data on marine biodiversity. It serves as a platform for aggregating, integrating, and disseminating data related to the distribution of marine species and their associated habitats. OBIS is a part of the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), which is a part of UNESCO.
Oceanic dispersal refers to the process by which organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, spread across oceanic waters and may come to inhabit new areas or islands. This phenomenon can occur through various mechanisms, including: 1. **Currents**: Ocean currents can transport organisms across vast distances. For example, drifting plankton can be carried by currents from one region to another.
The Palearctic realm is one of the eight biogeographic realms used in the classification of the Earth's biodiversity. It is the largest biogeographic realm, encompassing a vast region that includes parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The boundaries of the Palearctic realm are defined by various geographical features, such as mountains and oceans.
Panbiogeography is a biogeographical approach that focuses on the distribution of organisms across space and emphasizes the historical and spatial relationships between different biotas. Developed primarily by the biogeographer Peter W. F. D. Craw, panbiogeography seeks to understand how the geographic distribution of species is influenced by historical events, such as continental drift, glaciation, and other forms of environmental change.
The Pannonian Biogeographic Region is one of the biogeographic regions defined within the European Union's Natura 2000 network and recognized by ecological and conservation studies. It encompasses a diverse area primarily situated in Central Europe, including parts of countries such as Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia.
The term "pantropical" refers to a distribution or occurrence that spans across the tropical regions of the world. In a biological or ecological context, "pantropical" is often used to describe species of plants, animals, or other organisms that are found in tropical areas across multiple continents, typically between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Papuasia is a term used to refer to a region that encompasses the island of New Guinea and its surrounding islands, which includes the western part of New Guinea (Irian Jaya or Papua), and often extends to adjacent island groups such as the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and occasionally parts of the eastern coast of Indonesia. The term reflects the cultural, linguistic, and ecological characteristics of this area, which is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse indigenous cultures.
Parapatric speciation is a mode of speciation that occurs when populations of a species become geographically isolated from one another, but still maintain a non-overlapping distribution. This can happen in conditions where two populations are adjacent to each other and share a border, but are limited in their interbreeding due to ecological differences, environmental gradients, or other factors.