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Article: Problems with small islands

Special Papers in Palaeontology - No. 12 - Cover Image
Publication: Special Papers in Palaeontology
Number: 12
Thematic Volume: Organisms and continents through time: a symposium
Edited By: N. F. Hughes
Publication Date: 1973
Page(s): 107 112
Authored By: J. D. Holloway
Addition Information

How to Cite

HOLLOWAY, J. D. 1973. Problems with small islands. In HUGHES, N. F. (ed.). Organisms and continents through time. Special Papers in Palaeontology12, 107–112.

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The Palaeontological Association (Free Access)

Abstract

Palaeogeographic maps are of great use in the biogeographic study of immobile terrestrial organisms, but less so when more dispersive groups are considered. Though the centres of evolution of more mobile organisms tend to be found on the larger land masses, they often interact and overlap along linking chains of small islands not assessed in palaeogeographic reconstructions. Analysis of such interaction requires further information on island arc formation at plate boundaries, good data on the current distribution of organisms, and a coherent, testable theory on the ecological and evolutionary development of biotas. These problems are discussed with reference to the Australasian biota and to the biogeography of New Caledonia and Norfolk Island.

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