What is biogeography?

Biogeography is a discipline at the interface of biology and geography that studies the distribution and dispersal of organisms on Earth. Biogeography helps us understand why certain species are found in certain areas and how the distribution of life changes over time.

How can biogeography help us understand the spread of invasive species?

Invasive species are organisms that colonise areas outside their natural habitat and have a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Biogeography can help us understand why these species are able to spread and conquer new areas.

Factors that influence the spread of invasive species include climate, soil conditions, food sources and the lack of natural enemies. Biogeography can help us map these factors and understand why some species are able to spread successfully while others are not.

Biogeographical analysis can help us identify the potential source of invasive species, i.e. the area from which they originate. This allows us to better understand how these species spread and how to prevent or manage invasions.

Biogeographical research and analysis can therefore help us to gain a deeper insight into the mechanisms of spread of invasive species and to develop more effective strategies to manage and prevent invasions.

∑: species, biogeography, spread, understand, invasive, distribution, organisms, certain, natural