The document discusses zoogeography, which is the branch of biology concerned with the distribution of animals worldwide. It can be studied at three levels - geographical, regional, and local. At the geographical level, biogeographers analyze global distribution patterns and factors like climate. At the regional level, they focus on animal distributions within continents or ecosystems. At the local level, they study species distributions in relation to their environment and other species. The document also provides examples of different biogeographic regions and patterns of animal distribution.

1. Made by Ahmed Atef

2. The branch of biology concerned with the distribution of animals over the world is called Zoogeography. Zoogeography
can be studied at three different levels: geographical, regional, and local.
• At the geographical level, biogeographers are interested in understanding the global distribution of all animals,
including invertebrates and vertebrates, both terrestrial and aquatic. They may analyze factors such as climate, ocean
currents, and continental drift to explain why certain animals are found in certain parts of the world.
• At the regional level, biogeographers focus on studying the distribution of animals in specific segments of the world,
such as a particular continent or ecosystem. By comparing the distribution of animals in different regions,
biogeographers can identify patterns and gain insights into the evolutionary history of different groups of animals.
• At the local level, biogeographers are interested in studying the distribution of a particular species in relation to its
environment and other species in the same ecosystem. This involves analyzing factors such as competition, predation,
and habitat preferences to understand why certain species are found in certain locations and how they interact with
other species.
• Overall, biogeography is an important field of study for understanding the diversity of life on Earth and the processes
that shape it

3. Palearctic Region
• The Palearctic region is a vast region that includes the northern part of the Old World. It encompasses Europe, China, Japan, North
Sahara, Siberia, the Mediterranean Sea zone of North Africa, and Manchuria, as well as southwest Asia, the north of the Himalayas,
and the north of Arabia. The region is bounded by the sea to the west, east, and north and by the Sahara and Himalayas to the south.
• The climate of the Palearctic region is mainly temperate, with an arctic fringe. It includes both wet and dry open steppe land, large
areas of coniferous forests and a fringe of tundra, deciduous forest, and a wide variation of temperature and great fluctuation in
rainfall.
• The fauna of the Palearctic region exhibits variations in the climatic and vegetational subdivisions. It is richest in warmer areas and
diminishes northward. The region possesses a total of 135 families of terrestrial vertebrates, including 33 families of mammals, 68
birds, 24 reptiles, 10 amphibians, and 13 freshwater fishes.
• The Palearctic region is further subdivided into four subregions: the European subregion, the Mediterranean subregion, the Siberian
subregion, and the Manchurian subregion. Each subregion has its unique flora and fauna adapted to the specific climatic and
environmental conditions of that area.

4. The Asian part of Russia

5. Steppe

7. Nearctic Region
• The Nearctic region includes North America above the tropics, Greenland, Iceland, and the
Mexican plateau. Except for a narrow strip of Central America, it is completely cut off from all
other regions by sea.
• The region resembles the Palearctic region in climatic conditions and exhibits extreme variations in
temperature and varied climatic conditions. It has extensive mountain ranges in the west running
from north to south. The north is the arctic belt of Greenland, followed by coniferous belts,
deciduous or mixed forests, extensive grasslands, and arid zones.
• The region is much less rich in fauna than other regions and mainly transitional, representing a
mixture of the fauna of the Palearctic and Neotropical regions. It possesses a total of 120 families
of vertebrates, including 26 families of mammals, 4 birds, 21 reptiles, 14 amphibians, and 24
fishes.
• The Nearctic region is subdivided into four subregions: the Californian subregion, the Rocky
Mountain subregion, the Alleghany subregion, and the Canadian subregion.

8. North America above the tropics

9. Arid Zones

10. Neotropical Region
• The Neotropical region includes South America, Central America, the
tropical lowland of South Mexico, and the West Indies.
• It has tropical conditions, except for the southern part of South America,
which has a south temperate zone.
• The region has extensive rain forests, dry forests, grassy plains, and sub-
desert areas. The Andes mountain range in the West has high mountains.
• The fauna in this region is distinctive and varied, with many endemic
families. There are 155 families of terrestrial vertebrates in this region, out
of which 33 are endemic.
• The region is subdivided into four sub-regions: Chilean, Brazilian, Mexican,
and Antillean.

11. Tropical lowland of south mexico

12. Ethiopean Region (Afro-Tropical)
• The Ethiopian region, also known as the Afro-tropical region, is a biogeographic region that includes Africa south of the Sahara
desert, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula south of the Sinai Peninsula. While it has land continuity with its northern neighbor,
the Palearctic region, the Sahara desert acts as an effective barrier between the two. The remaining sides of the Ethiopian region are
surrounded by sea.
• The climate of the Ethiopian region is predominantly tropical, with large blocks of lofty evergreen forests in the equatorial region,
mountainous regions, and wide grassy plains in the eastern part. The southern part is warm temperate with mixed vegetation.
• The vertebrate fauna of the Ethiopian region is rich and well-marked, with a number of endemic genera and families present due to
the extensive equatorial forests and swamps, as well as grasslands. There are 161 families of terrestrial vertebrates in this region.
• The Ethiopian region is subdivided into four sub-regions: East African, West African, South African, and Malagasy. Each sub-region
has its own unique characteristics, such as the presence of certain endemic species and vegetation types.

13. Africa South of Sahara desert
Arabian
Peninsula
southern to Sinai
Peninsula

14. Oriental Region (Indo-Malayan)
The Oriental Region, also known as the Indomalayan region, is a biogeographic region that includes India (south of
the Himalayas), Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, the Philippines, and South China. The region is bounded
by the Himalayas in the north, and in the west, it is separated from the Palearctic region by mountains and deserts in
eastern Iran. However, there is no physical boundary in the southeast corner.
The Oriental Region is known for its varied physical features. Northern India has a temperate climate, the eastern
part (including Myanmar and Northeast Asia) has rainforests, the western peninsula is part desert, and the southern
part of India has tropical forests.
The fauna of the Oriental Region exhibits considerable resemblance with that of the Ethiopian region, which includes
Africa south of the Sahara desert and Madagascar.
The Oriental Region is subdivided into four sub-regions: Indian, Indo-China, Ceylonese, and Indo-Malayan. Each sub-
region has its own unique characteristics, such as the presence of certain endemic species and vegetation types.

16. Australian Region (Austral-asian)
• The Australian Region, also known as the Australasian region, is a biogeographic region that includes Australia, New
Zealand, New Guinea, Tasmania, the Moluccas, and neighboring islands.
• The region is partly tropical and partly temperate. New Guinea is mostly covered with rainforests, while the northern
part of Australia is tropical, but most of the interior is arid. Tasmania has a cool and temperate climate.
• The fauna of the Australian Region is unique and primitive, with the most peculiar feature being the absence of higher
placental mammals. The region contains many primitive forms, including marsupials and monotremes, which are
found only in this region.
• The Australian Region is subdivided into four sub-regions: Austro-Malayan, Australian, Polynesian, and New
Zealand. Each sub-region has its own unique characteristics, such as the presence of certain endemic species and
vegetation types.

19. Aspects of Animal distribution
Distribution in Space:
• a) Geographical Distribution: This refers to the pattern of animal distribution in different
regions of the Earth. Animals are distributed in different regions based on various factors such
as climate, terrain, and the availability of resources. For example, polar bears are found in the
Arctic region, whereas lions are found in the African savannahs.
• b) Bathymetric Distribution: This refers to the pattern of animal distribution in different depths
of the oceans or seas. Animals are adapted to specific depth zones based on factors such as
temperature, pressure, and availability of light. For example, deep-sea fishes are adapted to
survive in the extreme conditions of the deep ocean, whereas shallow-water fishes are adapted
to survive in the relatively stable conditions of the coastal areas.
Distribution in Time:
• Geological distribution refers to the pattern of animal distribution over different geological
periods. Fossil records can provide insights into the past distribution of animals and how they
have evolved over time. For example, the distribution of dinosaurs was widespread during the
Mesozoic era, but they became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period.

20. There are different patterns of animal distribution based on their geographical range. Three such patterns
are cosmopolitan distribution, discontinuous distribution, and bipolar distribution.
• Cosmopolitan distribution: This refers to the pattern of animal distribution where a species is found in
almost all parts of the world. Such animals have a very wide geographical range and can adapt to
different environmental conditions. For example, the housefly (Musca domestica) is found almost
everywhere in the world, including in human settlements, and is considered a cosmopolitan species.
• Discontinuous distribution: This refers to the pattern of animal distribution where a species is found in
separate, isolated regions and not in the areas in between. This type of distribution is often due to the
presence of physical barriers such as oceans, deserts, or mountain ranges. For example, the Australian
kangaroo is found only in Australia and nearby islands, and not in any other parts of the world.
• Bipolar distribution: This refers to the pattern of animal distribution where a species is found only in the
two polar regions of the world, the Arctic and the Antarctic. Such animals are adapted to the extreme
environmental conditions of the polar regions, including the cold temperatures and long periods of
darkness. For example, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is found only in the Arctic region, whereas the
emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is found only in the Antarctic region.
In summary, there are different patterns of animal distribution based on their geographical range, including
cosmopolitan distribution, discontinuous distribution, and bipolar distribution. These patterns can provide
insights into the adaptation of animals to different environments and their evolutionary history

21. Physical barriers are geographic features that can prevent or limit the movement of animals. Here are
some examples of physical barriers:
• Topographical barriers: Topographical barriers, such as mountains or deep canyons, can create physical
barriers that prevent the movement of animals. These barriers can be difficult or impossible for many
animals to cross.
• Large bodies of water and land masses: Large bodies of water, such as oceans or large lakes, can create
physical barriers that prevent the movement of animals. Similarly, large land masses, such as
continents, can also act as barriers to the movement of animals.
• Impurity and lack of salinity of sea water: Sea water that is too polluted or lacks the appropriate level
of salinity can also act as a barrier to the movement of marine animals. Some marine animals are
adapted to specific salinity levels and cannot survive in water that is too salty or too fresh.
• Vegetative barriers: Vegetative barriers, such as dense forests or large swamps, can create physical
barriers that prevent the movement of animals. These barriers can be difficult for animals to navigate,
and some species may not be adapted to living in these environments.
• Sheer distance: Distance itself can be a physical barrier to the movement of animals. For example,
animals may not be able to travel long distances across inhospitable terrain or through areas with few
resources.

22. Climatic or ecological barriers can be related to temperature, moisture, and
amount of light. Here is some more information about each of these barriers:
• Temperature: Temperature can be an important factor in determining the
distribution of animals. Some animals are adapted to specific temperature
ranges and cannot survive in areas that are too hot or too cold. For example,
animals that are adapted to colder climates, such as polar bears or arctic foxes,
may not be able to survive in warmer regions.
• Moisture: Moisture can also be an important factor in determining the
distribution of animals. Some animals require specific levels of moisture for
survival and cannot survive in areas that are too dry or too wet. For example,
amphibians require moist environments for reproduction and may not be able
to survive in areas with low moisture levels.
• Amount of light: The amount of light can also be a factor in determining the
distribution of animals. Some animals require specific amounts of light for
survival and cannot survive in areas that are too dark or too bright. For
example, plants require sunlight for photos

23. Biological barriers are another type of factor that can limit the distribution
of animals. These barriers include:
• Sedentary habit: Some animals have a sedentary habit, meaning they do
not move from their place of birth or location. This can limit their
distribution to a particular area or habitat.
• Home range or territoriality: Other animals have a home range or
territoriality, meaning they defend and occupy a specific area for their
survival and reproduction. This can limit their distribution to a specific
region or habitat.

24. Means of dispersal
• Means of dispersal refer to ways by which animals can move from one location to another. These means of dispersal
include:
• Natural rafts and driftwoods: Some animals, such as insects and small mammals, can be carried across water bodies on
natural rafts and driftwoods.
• Wind: Certain animals, such as spiders and some birds, can be carried across large distances by wind currents.
• Storms: Storms can carry animals across great distances, particularly birds and insects.
• Land bridges: Land bridges can form between continents during periods of low sea level, allowing animals to move
from one continent to another.
• Transportation by animals capable of flight: Some animals, such as birds and bats, are capable of flight and can move
across great distances.
• Human agency: Humans can also unintentionally or intentionally transport animals to new locations through activities
such as trade and transportation.