International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology

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Rapid Communication - International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology (2025) Volume 13, Issue 2

Zoogeography: An Insight into the Geographic Distribution of Animal Species

Jean Borregaard*

Department of Biology PhD University of Tennessee, Concordia University, USA

*Corresponding Author:
Jean Borregaard
Department of Biology PhD University of Tennessee, Concordia University, USA
E-mail: jborregaard@bio.ku.dk

Received: : 03-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. IJPAZ- 25-162481; Editor assigned: 05-Mar-2025, PreQC No. IJPAZ- 25-162481 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-Mar-2025, QC No. IJPAZ- 25-162481; Revised:25-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. IJPAZ- 25-162481 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2025, DOI:10.35841/10.35841/ijpaz-13.2.281

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Abstract

  

Introduction

Zoogeography, a sub-discipline of biogeography, is the study of the geographic distribution of animal species across the globe. It explores how and why animals are distributed in various regions and ecosystems, examining the historical, ecological, and evolutionary factors that influence these patterns. [

The term "zoogeography" combines "zoo" (animal) and "geography" (the study of Earth's surface) to describe how animals' locations are influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The study of zoogeography incorporates concepts from ecology, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, and climatology, all of which contribute to understanding the diverse animal life across different continents, islands, and habitats. [2].

Zoogeography is not just about mapping where animals live, but understanding the forces that shape their presence and movement across landscapes. Factors like climate, geography, ocean currents, migration patterns, and evolutionary history all play crucial roles in the distribution of animal species. Additionally, the emergence of species in new locations due to human activity, climate change, and habitat destruction makes zoogeography a dynamic and continually evolving field of study. [3].

Historical Zoogeography focuses on understanding the distribution of animals over time, with a special emphasis on the historical processes that have led to the present-day patterns [4].

It explores the geological history of the Earth, including continental drift, glaciations, and past climatic conditions, which have played pivotal roles in shaping animal distributions. The theory of plate tectonics, for example, explains how continents separated over millions of years, resulting in the isolation of populations and the development of distinct species.[5].

Ecological Zoogeography looks at the relationship between animals and their environments in the present-day context. It examines the factors that influence why certain animals thrive in particular habitats and why others are absent. Climate, vegetation, and physical geography are all integral components of ecological zoogeography. Understanding ecological interactions, such as competition, predation, and mutualism, also helps explain why specific animal species inhabit certain regions while others do not. [6].

These are large-scale geographic areas that contain distinct animal communities. The Earth is divided into several biogeographic realms, such as the Palearctic, Nearctic Neotropical, Ethiopian, Oriental, and Australasian realms, each characterized by unique animal life. The boundaries of these realms are often determined by physical barriers, such as oceans and mountain ranges, as well as historical factors, including climate and evolutionary divergence [7].

Endemic species are those found only in specific geographic regions and nowhere else on Earth. Zoogeographers study endemism to understand how isolated environments, like islands or mountain ranges, can promote the development of unique species. The Galápagos Islands, for instance, are known for their high levels of endemism, with species like the Galápagos tortoise and the famous finches that influenced Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. [8].

The movement of animals across geographical barriers, often in search of new habitats or resources, is called dispersal. Zoogeographers study patterns of dispersal to understand how species expand their ranges, migrate seasonally, or relocate due to environmental changes. This process is particularly significant in the context of climate change and human activity, which have accelerated the spread of certain species [9].

Natural barriers such as oceans, mountains, deserts, and rivers can impede animal movement, resulting in isolated populations. These barriers often lead to speciation, where populations of the same species evolve into distinct species due to long-term geographic isolation. For example, the separation of the continents during the Mesozoic era has resulted in species differentiation between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. [10].

conclusion

Zoogeography offers profound insights into the mechanisms that govern the distribution of animal species across the globe. By studying the intricate relationships between animals and their environments, as well as the historical and ecological factors influencing these patterns, we can better understand the natural world and the forces that shape biodiversity. As climate change, habitat destruction, and human activities continue to affect ecosystems, zoogeography becomes increasingly important in conservation efforts, helping to predict and manage the future of animal populations.

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