Biogeography is the study of the distribution of organisms
across the planet, and includes the study of how and when species arrived in various
places, and how they move into and out of regions. Some biogeographists work on the
historical aspects of species movement, and others on mapping and following current
conditions. Biogeography provides data and support for evolutionary
theory.
A number of factors control distribution of
species. Plate tectonics is the largest and most important underlying factor - how long
ago one landmass separated from another, and what species were present when the
separation occurred, drive the basis of species distribution for most of the planet.
Factors that isolate one area from others, thus limiting the ability of species to
immigrate or emigrate, is another; for this reason islands that are varying distances
from the nearest landmass are a focal point of biogeographic studies. Mountain ranges,
bodies of water, and similar land features are also important barriers to species
movement.
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