Realms, whether tangible or abstract, serve as foundational constructs that delineate the boundaries of our existence, defining spaces within which we navigate and explore. These realms are not merely physical domains but encompass the vast expanse of our imagination, beliefs, and experiences. They are the landscapes of possibility, where realities converge and diverge, shaping the fabric of our understanding and perception. From the ethereal realms of dreams and fantasies to the tangible realms of the material world, each offers unique insights into the complexities of existence and the mysteries that lie beyond. Within these realms, we encounter the intersection of the known and the unknown, where boundaries blur and the journey of discovery unfolds. Thus, real or imagined, realms serve as the backdrop against which the human story unfolds, inviting us to delve deeper into the depths of our consciousness and uncover the truths that define our existence.
- India’s biogeographic classification involves categorizing the country based on distinct biogeographic characteristics.
- A biogeographic realm, alternatively known as an ecozone, represents the most extensive biogeographic division of the Earth’s land surface, determined by the distribution patterns of terrestrial organisms.
- These realms are then intricately subdivided into bioregions and ecoregions. Biogeographic realms essentially encompass expansive spatial regions where ecosystems share a broadly similar biological evolutionary history.
- The recognition of eight terrestrial biogeographic realms is a common practice, each roughly aligned with a specific continent.
BIOGEOGRAPHIC REALMS
- Eight distinct terrestrial biogeographic realms are universally recognized, each characterized by specific geographical features and biodiversity.
- These realms play a crucial role in understanding the distribution patterns of terrestrial organisms.
- Here are the eight terrestrial biogeographic realms and the lands they include:
Nearctic Realm:
Lands Included: Greenland and most of North America.
Palearctic Realm:
Lands Included: The bulk of Eurasia and North Africa.
Afrotropical Realm:
Lands Included: Trans-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and Arabia.
Indomalayan Realm:
Lands Included: The Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, southern China, and the majority of the Greater Sunda Islands.
Oceania Realm:
Lands Included: Polynesia (except New Zealand), Micronesia, and the Fijian Islands.
Australian Realm:
Lands Included: Australia, Melanesia, New Zealand, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, and the surrounding islands. The Wallace Line serves as the northern boundary of this realm.
Antarctic Realm:
Lands Included: Antarctica, Alexander Island, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands.
Neotropical Realm:
Lands Included: South America, Central America, the Caribbean, South Florida, and the Falkland Islands.
BIOGEOGRAPHIC REALMS OF INDIA
The Indian region is intricately divided into two distinct biogeographic realms, each characterized by unique ecological features:
Palearctic Realm:
- The Palearctic, or Palaearctic, stands as the Earth’s largest biogeographic realm among the eight recognized realms.
- Encompassing the entire Eurasian region located north of the Himalayan foothills, it extends into North Africa.
- This expansive realm is further subdivided into various bioregions, including the Mediterranean Basin, Sahara, Arabian Deserts, and the regions of Western, Central, and East Asia.
- Rich in freshwater resources, the Palearctic realm features numerous rivers and lakes, giving rise to diverse freshwater ecoregions.
- Coined in the nineteenth century, the term “Palearctic” continues to serve as a fundamental basis for contemporary zoogeographic classification.
Malayan Realm:
- Indomalaya, part of the world’s major biogeographical realms according to the Bioregions 2020 framework, constitutes the Malayan Realm.
- This realm encompasses three distinct subrealms: the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asian Forests, and Malaysia and Western Indonesia, comprising a total of 18 bioregions.
- Known for its dense rainforests, Indomalaya ranks among the most crucial areas globally for biodiversity, hosting a fifth of all plant, animal, and marine species.
- Notably, it is home to three mega-diverse countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, housing four of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots.
- The Indian Subcontinent, part of this realm, features diverse landscapes, including the Himalayan mountain range, dry forests, scrublands, and deserts extending to the Arakan mountain range.
- The Southeast Asia subrealm, marked by subtropical evergreen forests, stretches from the Indochinese Peninsula to China’s Yunnan-Guizhou plateau, including the South China Sea and the Philippines.
- Further south, the Malaysia & West Indonesia subrealm, characterized by moist broadleaf forests and coastal mangroves, encompasses numerous islands in the region.
These two realms contribute to the remarkable biodiversity and ecological diversity found in the Indian region.
FAQs: Biogeographic Realms and Their Significance in India
1. What is India’s biogeographic classification, and why is it significant?
A: India’s biogeographic classification involves categorizing the country based on distinct biogeographic characteristics. This classification is crucial for understanding the distribution and diversity of ecosystems and species within the country.
2. What is a biogeographic realm, and how is it determined?
A: A biogeographic realm, or ecozone, is the broadest biogeographic division of the Earth’s land surface based on terrestrial organism distribution patterns. It is determined by the distribution patterns of terrestrial organisms and is further subdivided into bioregions and ecoregions.
3. How many terrestrial biogeographic realms are recognized globally, and what are they?
A: There are eight universally recognized terrestrial biogeographic realms globally. They include the Nearctic Realm, Palearctic Realm, Afrotropical Realm, Indomalayan Realm, Oceania Realm, Australian Realm, Antarctic Realm, and Neotropical Realm.
4. Can you provide information on the biogeographic realms in India?
A: India is divided into two distinct biogeographic realms. The Himalayan region is represented by the Palearctic Realm, while the rest of the subcontinent falls under the Malayan Realm. These realms contribute to the ecological diversity and distribution of species in India.
5. What are the key features of the Palearctic Realm in India?
A: The Palearctic Realm is the largest among the eight realms, encompassing Eurasia north of the Himalayan foothills and North Africa. It is characterized by various bioregions, including the Mediterranean Basin, Sahara, Arabian Deserts, and regions of Western, Central, and East Asia. The term “Palearctic” continues to be fundamental in contemporary zoogeographic classification.
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