What is Biogeography?
VerifiedAnswer: Study of Relationship of Organisms with Environment
Explanation:
Biogeography is a fascinating branch of biology that examines how living organisms are distributed across our planet and why they exist where they do. This field combines elements of biology and geography to understand the spatial distribution patterns of plants, animals, and other life forms in relation to their physical environment.
The study of biogeography helps us understand several key aspects: • How climate, topography, and geological features influence where organisms can survive • Why certain species are found only in specific regions of the world • How historical events like continental drift and ice ages shaped current distribution patterns • The role of barriers like mountains, oceans, and deserts in limiting species movement • How human activities affect the natural distribution of organisms
Biogeography is divided into two main branches. Historical biogeography focuses on how past geological and climatic events influenced current species distributions. For example, it explains why similar species are found on different continents that were once connected. Ecological biogeography, on the other hand, examines present-day relationships between organisms and their immediate environment, including factors like temperature, rainfall, soil type, and available resources.
This field has practical applications in conservation biology, helping scientists identify biodiversity hotspots and plan protected areas. It also assists in understanding how climate change might affect species distributions in the future. For students, biogeography provides excellent examples of how different scientific disciplines work together to explain the natural world around us.
