Biogeography of the Earth
Sunset in the Everglades The distribution of biotic systems is related to the variation in climate, soils, and topography on Earth. Over eons of time, plants and animals have occupied and adapted to the particular environmental conditions in which they live. The giant saguaro cactus stores water in fleshy stems to nourish itself in the hot desert, while the heavy, shaggy coat of the musk oxen helps protect it from the cold arctic wind. In this chapter you will become familiar with the geographic distribution of plant and animal species and how these distributions relate to patterns of climate and soil. You may view a list of chapter topics by clicking the "Topic Outline" link or go directly to the first topic by clicking "Continue". Previous | Topic Outline | Continue |
