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Which of the following best explains the significance of The Wallace Line in biogeography?
- (a) It marks the boundary between the Eurasian and Indo-Australian tectonic plates, influencing volcanic activity in the region.
- (b) It is a transition zone where species from both the Oriental and Australian biogeographic regions coexist without major differences in fauna.
- (c) It represents a sharp faunal boundary between Asian and Australian species, due to deep oceanic trenches that prevented species migration.
- (d) It is an imaginary line marking the divergence of early hominins between Southeast Asia and Oceania, explaining human migration patterns.
Solution: C
Option a is incorrect – The Wallace Line is a biological boundary, not a tectonic plate boundary.
Option b is incorrect – The Wallace Line creates a stark contrast in species, not a smooth transition zone.
Option c is correct – The Wallace Line separates Asian and Australian fauna, and deep ocean trenches prevented migration.
Option d is incorrect – The Wallace Line is not related to early human migration patterns.
What is the Wallace Line?
A biogeographical boundary that separates the eco-zones of Asia and Australia.
Identified by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863, it runs between Bali and Lombok, and continues north through the Makassar Strait between Borneo and Sulawesi.
Formation of the Wallace Line:
Result of continental drift: Australia split from Antarctica and drifted northward, colliding with Asia around 35 million years ago.
This movement formed deep-water channels that still act as barriers, preventing species migration.
During the Pleistocene Epoch, land bridges emerged due to lower sea levels, yet the deep waters between Asia and Australia maintained the boundary.
Uniqueness of the Wallace Line:
Sharp distinction in species: To the west, Asiatic species like tigers and elephants dominate, while to the east, Australian fauna such as kangaroos and marsupials thrive.
Narrow geographical divide: Despite being just 20 km apart, islands on either side have distinct biodiversity.
Birds and mammals are heavily influenced, with few species crossing the line, while marine species remain unaffected due to the high connectivity of ocean ecosystems.
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