Biogeog 4 Flashcards
What is species richness?
Number of species per unit area
What is an endemic species?
A taxon restricted to a geographic area
What is a cosmopolitan/widespread species?
Occurring worldwide
What are the 6 biogeographic kingdoms for each global region?
N America etc: Nearctic C & S America: Neotropical Sub & S Africa: Ethiopian Europe, Russia etc: Palearctic Japan and Indonesia: Oriental OZ: Australian
What is the sub- biogeographic region of UK in Europe?
Atlantic and temperate deciduous forest
What variants influence biodiversity growth?
Altitude, latitude, body size, dispersal capacity, colour etc
What was Bergmann’s Rule (1847)
Body size increases with latitude
Animals are larger in cold areas compared to tropical
What was Allen’s rule?
Animals in colder climates have shorter appendages than relatives in warmer climates
What is an example of animals with smaller appendages (ears, tails, legs) in cold climates compared to relatives in warmer climates?
Lepus (rabbit) and Vulpes (fox)
What is Gloger’s rule?
Darker forms are more likely in humid environments (avoid UV)
Cold environments - lighter
E.g. Floral pigmentation
Which country has the most endemic species?
Australia
What is the latitudinal and altitudinal gradient pattern of biodiversity?
Species diversity decreases with increasing latitude
and altitude (hump shaped patterns)
What is the pattern for non-endemic species with altitude?
Declines with increased elevation
What is the pattern for endemic species with altitude?
Increases with increased elevation
