Biogeographical region

Biogeographical region is a distinct area of the earth's surface that has been shaped by a combination of biological, geographical, and climatic factors. These regions are characterized by distinct flora and fauna, and are often used in the study of biodiversity, conservation biology, and ecology.

Definition

A biogeographical region is defined as a large, continuous area of the earth's surface that shares similar climate, geography, and biota. These regions are not fixed and can change over time due to various factors such as climate change, human activity, and evolutionary processes.

Classification

There are several different systems used to classify biogeographical regions. The most widely used system is the WWF ecoregion classification, which divides the world into 8 major ecozones. Other systems include the Udvardy system, which divides the world into 8 biogeographic realms, and the Bailey system, which divides the world into 10 biogeographic provinces.

Factors Influencing Biogeographical Regions

Several factors influence the formation and characteristics of biogeographical regions. These include:

• Climate: The climate of a region plays a significant role in determining the types of organisms that can survive there. Factors such as temperature, precipitation, and sunlight all influence the types of plants and animals found in a region.

• Geography: The physical features of a region, such as its topography, soil type, and proximity to water bodies, also influence the types of organisms that can live there.

• Biota: The types of organisms that live in a region also play a role in shaping its characteristics. For example, the presence of certain types of plants can influence the types of animals that live in a region.

Importance of Biogeographical Regions

Biogeographical regions are important for several reasons. They provide a framework for studying and understanding biodiversity, they help in the conservation of species and ecosystems, and they provide insights into the processes that shape the earth's biodiversity.

See Also

• Biogeography
• Ecoregion
• Biodiversity
• Conservation biology
• Ecology