Question

Two zoogeographical regions separated by high mountain ranges are
A. Palaearctic and Oriental
B. Oriental and Australian
C. Nearctic and Palaearctic
D. Neotropical and ethiopian

Answer 1

The study of the distribution of animals in terms of geographical location is called zoogeography. These regions are separated by natural barriers like oceans, deserts and mountain ranges.

Complete Answer:
The earth has been divided in several regions or major areas depending on the areas having characteristic fauna. The regions are Palaearctic, Ethiopian, Oriental, Australian, Nearctic and Neotropical regions. These regions were divided by Sclater and Wallace on the basis of distribution of vertebrates.

Now let us discuss the barriers separating these regions as given in the question.

- Palaearctic and Oriental: Palaearctic region consists of High Mountain Himalayan ranges which separates Oriental region.
- Oriental and Australian: It is separated by Indian ocean.
- Nearctic and Palaearctic: It is also separated by ocean.
- Neotropical and Ethiopian: Ethopian is also known as Afrotropical. This region is also separated by the ocean.

Thus the correct answer is A.

Additional Information: Palaearctic region is the largest of the eight regions. This region consists of several rivers and lakes, Himalayan regions, Sahara and African desert, Mediterranean basin. A large biodiversity is found in this region.

Note: The study of zoogeography helps in establishing the link between the distribution of fauna and the abiotic factors like topography, latitude, temperatures, sea level. This has helped in correlating the habitat and migration of organisms.