Bartholomew's Physical Atlas, vol v, Atlas of Zoogeography: a Series of Maps Illustrating the Distribution of over Seven Hundred Families, Genera, and Species of Existing Animals

Abstract

THE fifth volume of “Bartholomew's Physical Atlas” is devoted to “Zoogeography”—that is, as the word clearly indicates, the science of the dis tribution of animal-life over the world's 'surface. Little was known and still less was understood about this branch of zoology in former years. But when the “Origin of Species” began to be discussed it was quickly perceived how closely the localities of animals and plants are connected with their affinities, and how important “zoogeography” is to the student of animal and vegetable life. Linnasus and his imme diate followers did not understand this. They thought that such terms as “East Indies” or “Brazil” were quite sufficient indications of the locality of an animal. But, as the science of zoology advanced, authors be came gradually more particular as to their localities, and nowadays unless the place of origin is exactly known a specimen loses at least half its value. In early days the faunal character of each geographical area was supposed to depend entirely on its climatic and physical peculiarities. This idea, however, has been abundantly proved to be incorrect. In many cases tracts of the world's surface exactly similar in climate and in other physical conditions can be shown to be entirely different as regards their animal life. It was not until the theory that the descent of animals is accompanied by modifications of their structure became appreciated that any correct views were put forward on the laws of their geographical distribution. The authors of the present work de scribe the commencement of this new period as follows:—

Bartholomew's Physical Atlas, vol. v., Atlas of Zoogeography: a Series of Maps Illustrating the Distribution of over Seven Hundred Families, Genera, and Species of Existing Animals.

Prepared by Dr. J. G. Bartholomew, W. Eagle Clarke, and P. H. Grimshaw. Pp. viii + 67 + 36 plates + xi. (Edinburgh: J. Bartholomew and Co., 1911.) Price 2l. 12s. 6d. net.