Biogeography of the Tropical Pacific
Biogeography of the Tropical Pacific
Date
1992-04
Authors
Stoddart, D.R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Hawai'i Press
Abstract
Many previous biogeographic regionalizations of the islands and
reefs of the tropical Pacific are unsatisfactory: the regions as defined are
heterogeneous, localities with unlike biotas are grouped together, and those with
similar characteristics are placed in separate categories. Often distinctions
appear to be based on cultural or political rather than biogeographic considerations. Criteria are defined for the establishment of biogeographic boundaries.
Instead of the hierarchical schemes often utilized, it is proposed that the basis
of biogeographic regionalization be typological. A distinction is made between
the biogeographic characteristics of atolls and other reef islands, elevated
limestone (makatea) islands, and high (often volcanic) islands. It is concluded
that if the first two categories are filtered out, the treatment of the biogeography
of the third group and hence the regionalization of the Pacific becomes relatively
unproblematical.
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Citation
Stoddart DR. 1992. Biogeography of the tropical Pacific. Pac Sci 46(2): 276-293.
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