Distinguishing unique patterns of biodiversity in eastern and western areas of Southeast Asia, the Wallace Line is found between
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The Wallace Line is found between the eastern and western areas of Southeast Asia. It is named after the British naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, who discovered this distinct divide in the distribution of flora and fauna in the region.
To understand the Wallace Line, it is essential to recognize the geographical context. Southeast Asia is a vast region with diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and more. However, when comparing the biodiversity of the eastern and western parts of Southeast Asia, noticeable differences emerge.
In the western part, which includes islands like Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, the fauna and flora showcase affinities with the Asian mainland. These areas are part of the Indochinese biogeographic region and contain species that are similar to those found in the rest of Asia. For example, tigers, rhinoceroses, and Asian elephants are present in this area.
On the other hand, the eastern part of Southeast Asia, including islands like Sulawesi, Lombok, and the Philippines, exhibits a distinct biogeographic pattern. Species found here have closer affinities to Australia and New Guinea rather than the Asian mainland. This area is known as the Australasian biogeographic region and is characterized by unique species such as marsupials, cockatoos, and tree kangaroos.
The Wallace Line marks the boundary between these two distinct biogeographic regions. It runs through the Lombok Strait, between Bali and Lombok islands, and then north through the Makassar Strait, between Borneo and Sulawesi. It continues further north between the Philippines and Borneo.
The unique patterns of biodiversity in eastern and western Southeast Asia, separated by the Wallace Line, can be explained by geological and environmental factors. The line represents a deep oceanic trench that has acted as a barrier to the dispersal of species. The eastern part of Southeast Asia was connected to Australia during periods of low sea levels, allowing the exchange of organisms, while the western part remained connected to the Asian mainland.
The significance of the Wallace Line lies in its role as a boundary that has shaped the biogeographic history and diversity of Southeast Asia. It serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between geography, geology, and evolution, and highlights the uniqueness and diversity of life in this region.