Biogeography

Wallace Line

월리스선

Definition

A biogeographic boundary running through Southeast Asia that separates the distinct fauna of Asia and Australasia.

Detailed Explanation

Alfred Russel Wallace identified this boundary in 1859 while collecting natural history specimens in the Malay Archipelago. To the west lie Asian species — tigers, orangutans, rhinoceroses; to the east, Australasian taxa — cockatoos, marsupials, Komodo dragons. This sharp divide reflects a deep oceanic trench that persisted even during glacially lowered sea levels, preventing faunal exchange. The Wallace Line is considered one of biogeography's most important boundaries.

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