Article
Article
Zoogeography
Article By:
Savage, Jay M. Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.
Last reviewed:October 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.756400
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- Zoogeography, published June 2014:Download PDF
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A subdivision of the science of biogeography that is concerned with the detailed description of the distribution of animals and how their past distribution has produced present-day patterns. Zoogeography merges the scientific disciplines of zoology and geography in order to investigate the geographical distribution of animals (Fig. 1). Scientists in this field attempt to formulate theories that explain the present distributions of animals as elucidated by geography, physiography, climate, ecological correlates (especially vegetation), geological history, the canons of evolutionary theory, and an understanding of the evolutionary relationships of the particular animals under study. Zoogeographical theories are tested by new data from all germane fields to amplify, verify, or falsify the constructs. In this sense, zoogeography is an integrative science that synthesizes data from other disciplines to apply to the realities of animal distribution. See also: Animal; Animal evolution; Animal kingdom; Biodiversity; Biogeography; Ecology; Evolution; Geography
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