Understanding the Wallace Line: Biodiversity, Evolution, and Conservation

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-07 08:52:14 |

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The Wallace Line is a concept in biogeography, marking the distinct biodiversity between Asia and Australia. Identified by Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century, it runs between Bali and Lombok, north of Borneo and Sulawesi, and south of Mindanao. Wallace's research revealed a stark contrast in species composition on either side of the line. Australia is home to marsupials, while Asia has a diverse range of mammals, laying the foundation for modern biogeography.

Sulawesi, a particularly unique island, houses species like tarsiers and anoas that aren’t found elsewhere. Wallace struggled to classify Sulawesi’s species due to their connections to various regions, raising questions about migration and adaptation. The region’s geological history suggests that the islands of the Malay archipelago were once connected to Asia but drifted apart, leading to independent species evolution.

Recent studies show that tropical islands maintained warmer climates, allowing Asian species to migrate to Australia, while Australian species struggled to move to Asia. This complexity indicates the Wallace Line's greater intricacy. Understanding this line is vital for conservation, especially as habitat destruction threatens biodiversity in the Indo-Malayan archipelago. Experts emphasize habitat preservation and advancing research to protect these unique ecosystems.

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