Biogeography Flashcards
What is biogeography?
The study of the distribution of organisms over the earth and the principles that govern such distribution.
What are the two perspectives from which biogeography studies organism distribution?
- Biologists study how organisms move within and across space.
- Geographers study how the habitat/environment affects observed distributions.
What are some key questions biogeography seeks to answer?
- Why do plants and animals live where they do?
How has biogeography contributed to understanding plate tectonics?
The distribution of the trilobite genus Paradoxides helped understand how plate tectonics shaped the planet.
What is an ecological niche?
The pairing of an individual/taxon to a particular environmental condition, describing how a population responds to the distribution of resources and competitors.
How can biogeography be applied in conservation?
to study and explain the ecological distribution of extinct and extant species to inform conservation strategies.
What are the two types of speciation discussed in biogeography?
- Allopatric speciation
- Sympatric speciation
What is allopatric speciation?
What does it prevent?
A mode of speciation that occurs when biological populations of the same species become physically isolated, limiting or preventing gene flow between groups.
What are some causes linked to allopatric speciation?
-Movement of continents
-Formation of mountains/valleys
-Formation of islands/bodies of water —-Habitat destruction
-Climate change
-Human activities (e.g., agriculture, urban development)
How do changes in physical geography affect evolutionary forces?
can cause:
-genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection to have differing impacts on populations
This can lead to new selective pressures.
What is the significance of studying the primates of the Caribbean in biogeography?
It helps understand patterns of island evolution and the historical introduction of monkeys in the Lesser Antilles.
What is the role of human activity in biogeography?
Human activities can change the distribution of species populations and influence evolutionary processes.
What is the importance of understanding palaeobiology in biogeography?
It helps understand ecology, diversification, and evolution of many extinct taxa, providing insights into current biodiversity.
What is endemism, and where is it notably observed?
Endemism refers to species that are native to a specific location. Notable examples include Australia and Madagascar.
What role does historical context play in the study of Caribbean primates?
Historical-era introductions of monkeys help understand patterns of island evolution.
How can biogeography help in understanding extinct taxa?
It provides insights into ecology, diversification, and evolution of extinct species, improving our understanding of current biodiversity.
What is PC1 vs. PC2 analysis used for in cranial shape studies?
To analyze variations in cranial shape while incorporating size and shape after geometric morphometric analysis (GPA).
What is the relationship between biogeography and ecological distribution?
Biogeography studies how species are distributed in relation to their ecological niches and environmental conditions
What can the study of cichlid speciation reveal?
It can illustrate how different selection pressures in varying geographical areas lead to species divergence.
What is the impact of climate change on biogeographical patterns?
It can alter habitats and species distributions, affecting ecological relationships and niche adaptations.
Why is understanding the phylogeny of Chlorocebus important?
It provides insights into the evolutionary relationships and historical biogeography of Caribbean monkeys.
What is the significance of haplotypes in genetic studies?
They help trace genetic variation and relationships among populations, informing about their evolutionary history.
How does dispersal affect biogeographical patterns?
It influences how species spread and establish in new areas, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.
What historical events facilitated the introduction of monkeys to the Caribbean?
The transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation of resources.
What factors can lead to extinction in biogeographical contexts?
Habitat destruction, climate change, and biological invasions.
How does the concept of endemism relate to biogeography?
Endemism refers to species that are unique to a specific geographic area, often studied to understand biodiversity hotspots.
What is the role of genetic drift in speciation?
Genetic drift can lead to divergence in isolated populations, contributing to speciation over time.
How can studies in biogeography be applied to environmental problems?
They can inform conservation strategies, habitat restoration efforts, and management of invasive species.
Define co-evolution
when two or more species reciprocally affect each other’s evolution through the process of natural selection
