Wallace Line and Biodiversity
The Wallace Line is concept in biogeography. It marks the distinct biodiversity found in Asia and Australia. This line was identified by Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century. He observed a sharp contrast in species composition between these two regions. The Wallace Line runs between Bali and Lombok, extending north between Borneo and Sulawesi, and curves south of Mindanao. This geographical barrier has deep implications for the distribution of species. Alfred Russel Wallace’s Observations Wallace conducted extensive research over eight years. He noted a dramatic shift in animal species as he crossed the Wallace Line. On either side of the line, different organisms thrived. For instance, Australia is known for its marsupials, while Asia is home to a diverse range of mammals. Wallace’s observations laid the groundwork for modern biogeography. Unique Biodiversity of Sulawesi Sulawesi is particularly intriguing. It is home to species not found anywhere else, such as tarsier...