Introduction to Zoogeography

Zoogeography

• The study of animal distributions across the globe
• Focuses on understanding patterns of animal distribution and the factors that influence these patterns
• Integrates various disciplines: geology, paleontology, phylogenetics, and ecology

Approaches to Zoogeography

• Historical zoogeography: Focuses on understanding how historical events and processes, like continental drift and climate change, have shaped animal distributions over time
  • Compares faunal lists across regions, analyzes similarities, and traces animal distributions back in time using paleontological studies
• Ecological zoogeography: Emphasises the role of different environments and biomes in shaping animal distributions
  • Analyze how environmental factors influence the presence and absence of specific animal species in different regions

Key Concepts

• Distribution range: The geographical area where a species occurs. It can be continuous or fragmented
• Disjunct populations: Occur when species populations are separated by barriers, often leading to distinct genetic and evolutionary lineages.
• Vicariant populations: Occur when a previously continuous population is split by the development of a barrier, like a river or mountain range.

Factors Affecting Animal Distribution

• Barriers: Features that restrict or prevent species from moving or expanding their range
  • Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and specific weather patterns
  • Vegetation: Different plant types, habitats, and food sources
  • Other animals: Competition, predation, and parasitism
  • Physical barriers: Mountains, deserts, rivers, and seas
• Dispersal: Movement of species and their populations to new locations
  • Species-specific dispersal abilities: Some species are better equipped to disperse than others, based on their locomotion methods (e.g. flight, swimming)

Geographic Barriers in the Sea:

• Climate, temperature, and salinity
• Physical barriers, like continents and oceanic ridges

Key Taxonomic Groups

• Vertebrates are well-studied and provide insights into animal distributions
• Families are a suitable taxonomic level for studying zoogeography - they adequately represent faunal distribution patterns while not being too broad (like Orders) or too detailed (like Genera)
• Focus on non-volant mammals (animals that cannot fly) but also include birds and other vertebrates in discussion

Biomes and Animal Distribution

• Biomes are major ecological communities that have a distinct climate and dominant vegetation type
• The biomes of the world provide a framework for understanding the ecological drivers of animal distributions
• Different biomes will host different animal species depending on their specific adaptations and ecological requirements

Explore the fascinating field of zoogeography, which examines the distribution of animal species across the globe. This quiz delves into historical and ecological approaches, key concepts like distribution ranges, and the factors influencing animal habitats.