What is the Afrotropical realm?

The Afrotropical realm is one of the Earth's eight biogeographic realms, encompassing Sub-Saharan Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and the islands of the western Indian Ocean.

What were the previous names for the Afrotropical realm?

The Afrotropical realm was formerly known as the Ethiopian Zone or the Ethiopian Region.

What is the general climate of most of the Afrotropical realm?

Most of the Afrotropical realm, with the exception of Africa's southern tip, experiences a tropical climate.

What geographical features separate the Afrotropical realm from the Palearctic realm?

A broad belt of deserts, including the Sahara and Arabian deserts in northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, separates the Afrotropical realm from the Palearctic realm.

Describe the ecological regions south of the Sahara Desert.

South of the Sahara, two east-west belts of tropical grassland and savanna are found. The northern belt is the Sahel, a semi-arid zone of short grassland and acacia savanna. Further south is the Sudanian Savanna, characterized by taller grasslands and savannas.

What are the two major flooded grasslands located within the Sudanian Savanna?

The two major flooded grasslands within the Sudanian Savanna are the Sudd wetland in South Sudan and the Niger Inland Delta in Mali.

What type of region lies between the grasslands and the tropical moist broadleaf forests near the equator?

A forest-savanna mosaic serves as a transitional zone between the grasslands and the tropical moist broadleaf forests found closer to the equator.

Which areas constitute the Southern Arabian woodlands within the Afrotropical realm?

The Southern Arabian woodlands include Yemen and parts of western Oman and southwestern Saudi Arabia, featuring some permanent forests like Jabal Bura and Jabal Raymah, as well as seasonal forests in eastern Yemen and the Dhofar region of Oman.

What types of trees are predominantly found in the scattered woodlands of South Arabia?

The scattered woodlands in South Arabia are predominantly composed of Juniperus or Vachellia (formerly Acacia) species.

What is the Guineo-Congolian region, and where is it located?

The Guineo-Congolian region is a belt of lowland tropical moist broadleaf forests that stretches across most of equatorial Africa, following the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

How are the Guinean forests divided, and what separates them?

The Guinean forests are divided into the Upper Guinean forests in West Africa and the Lower Guinean forests along the Gulf of Guinea. The Dahomey Gap, a zone of forest-savanna mosaic, separates these two forest regions.

What is considered the largest tropical forest zone in Africa?

The largest tropical forest zone in Africa is the Congolian forests, located in the Congo Basin in Central Africa.

Where else does a belt of tropical moist broadleaf forest extend in the Afrotropical realm?

A belt of tropical moist broadleaf forest also extends along the Indian Ocean coast, from southern Somalia down to South Africa.

What defines the Somali-Masai region, and where is it located?

The Somali-Masai region, characterized by semi-arid Acacia-Commiphora woodlands, savannas, and bushlands, is a center of endemism in northeastern Africa. It spans from central Tanzania northwards through the Horn of Africa, covering parts of Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea.

What are the dominant tree species in the Somali-Masai region?

The dominant trees in the Somali-Masai region are thorny, dry-season deciduous species of Vachellia (formerly Acacia) and Commiphora.

What significant ecosystem is included within the Somali-Masai region?

The Serengeti ecosystem, renowned for its wildlife, is located within the Somali-Masai region.

What is the Afromontane region, and where does it extend?

The Afromontane region is a biogeographic area that extends from the Ethiopian Highlands in the north to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, also including the East African Rift.

What distinctive flora is found in the Afromontane region?

The Afromontane region is home to distinctive flora such as Podocarpus and Afrocarpus trees, as well as giant Lobelias and Senecios.

What types of vegetation characterize the Zambezian region?

The Zambezian region is characterized by woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and thickets, including Miombo woodlands, drier mopane and Baikiaea woodlands, and higher-elevation Bushveld.

Which countries are primarily included in the Zambezian region?

The Zambezian region extends across Malawi, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

What are the major deserts found in Southern Africa?

Southern Africa contains several deserts, including the Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast, the semi-arid Kalahari Desert inland, the Karoo desert, the arid Tankwa Karoo sub-region, and the mountainous Richtersveld desert.

What are the key characteristics of the Namib Desert?

The Namib Desert, one of the world's oldest deserts, stretches along the Atlantic coasts of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, and is known for its towering dunes and diverse endemic wildlife.

What is the Kalahari Desert known for, besides being a semi-arid savanna?

The Kalahari Desert is known for its diversity of mineral resources, particularly diamonds, and its variety of flora.

What is the Cape floristic region, and what is notable about its plant families?

The Cape floristic region, located at Africa's southern tip, is a Mediterranean climate zone notable for a significant number of endemic taxa and plant families like the proteas, which are also found in the Australasian realm.

How is Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands distinct within the Afrotropical realm?

Madagascar and neighboring islands form a distinctive sub-region of the Afrotropical realm, characterized by numerous endemic taxa, such as lemurs. Madagascar and the Granitic Seychelles are remnants of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, while islands like the Comoros and Mascarene Islands are more recent volcanic formations.

How many endemic families of flowering plants are found in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands?

Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands are home to ten endemic families of flowering plants, with eight endemic to Madagascar itself, one to the Seychelles, and one to the Mascarene Islands.

Name some of the plant families endemic to Madagascar.

Plant families endemic to Madagascar include Asteropeiaceae, Didymelaceae, Didiereaceae, Kaliphoraceae, Melanophyllaceae, Physenaceae, Sarcolaenaceae, and Sphaerosepalaceae.

Which plant families are endemic or nearly endemic to South Africa?

Twelve plant families are endemic or nearly endemic to South Africa, including Curtisiaceae, Heteropyxidaceae, Penaeaceae, Psiloxylaceae, and Rhynchocalycaceae, with five of these being endemic to the Cape floristic province.

What are some other endemic plant families found within the Afrotropics?

Other endemic Afrotropic plant families include Barbeyaceae, Dirachmaceae, Montiniaceae, Myrothamnaceae, and Oliniaceae.

Which of the East African Great Lakes are significant centers of biodiversity for freshwater fishes, particularly cichlids?

The East African Great Lakes—Victoria, Malawi, and Tanganyika—are significant centers of biodiversity for freshwater fishes, hosting over two-thirds of the world's estimated 2,000 cichlid species.

What is notable about the fish diversity in West African coastal rivers compared to central rivers?

West African coastal rivers harbor a higher diversity of fish species (322) with more endemics (247) and restricted ranges (129) compared to the central rivers, which have 194 fish species with 119 endemics and only 33 restricted to small areas.

Name some endemic bird families found in the Afrotropics.

Endemic bird families in the Afrotropics include ostriches (Struthionidae), the secretary bird (Sagittariidae), guineafowl (Numididae), and mousebirds (Coliidae).

Which passerine bird families are limited to the Afrotropics?

Several passerine bird families are limited to the Afrotropics, including rock-jumpers (Chaetopidae) and rockfowl (Picathartidae).

What are the three endemic orders of mammals found in Africa?

Africa has three endemic orders of mammals: Tubulidentata (aardvarks), Afrosoricida (tenrecs and golden moles), and Macroscelidea (elephant shrews).

Which great apes are endemic to Central Africa?

Both species of gorilla (western and eastern gorilla) and both species of chimpanzee (common chimpanzee and bonobo) are endemic to Central Africa.

Where did humans and their ancestors originate?

Humans and their ancestors originated in Africa.

What percentage of the world's tropical African forest is there, and how is it distributed?

Tropical African forest constitutes 18 percent of the world's total tropical forest, covering over 3.6 million square kilometers. This area is distributed as 74% in Central Africa, 19% in West Africa, and 7% in East Africa.

Describe the distribution of rainforests in West Africa.

In West Africa, a chain of rainforests extends from eastern Sierra Leone to Ghana. This zone is interrupted by the Dahomey Gap (a savanna mosaic) before continuing from eastern Benin through Nigeria and Cameroon, ending at the Congo Basin.

What are the two main types of rainforest vegetation found in the Guinea-Congolian transition area?

The Guinea-Congolian transition area features two main rainforest types: semi-deciduous rainforests, where trees shed leaves during the dry season, and evergreen or semi-evergreen rainforests, adapted to more humid conditions with shorter dry periods.

How does the African rainforest compare to rainforests on other continents in terms of rainfall and flora diversity?

African rainforests are generally drier than those on other continents, receiving between 1600 and 2000 mm of rainfall annually, with less consistent rainfall circulation. They also exhibit less flora diversity, which is attributed to factors like gradual infertility since the Miocene, severe dry periods during the Quaternary, and the refuge theory during ice ages.

What types of fauna inhabit the Tropical African rainforest?

The Tropical African rainforest is inhabited by a rich fauna, including smaller mammal species, insects, rodents, bats, tree frogs, birds, and arboreal monkeys like the red colobus and black-and-white colobus.

What are some of the threats faced by species in the African rainforest?

Many rare and unique species in the African rainforest are endangered or critically endangered, facing threats from poachers and habitat loss.

What is the impact of timber extraction on rainforest species?

Timber extraction not only alters the forest structure but also affects the tree species spectrum by removing economically important species and causing the extinction of others.

Approximately how many plant species have been documented in Tropical Africa?

Approximately 8,500 plant species have been documented in Tropical Africa, including 403 species of orchids.

What are the potential consequences of continued deforestation and farming in tropical rainforests?

Continued deforestation and farming could lead to the mass extinction of animal species, disrupt global hydrological cycles, release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, and reduce the planet's capacity to store carbon.

What was the estimated timeframe for the potential disappearance of West African rainforests based on deforestation rates in the early 1990s?

Experts estimated in the early 1990s that West African rainforests might disappear by the year 2020 if deforestation continued at the current rate.

What is the significance of rainforests to the indigenous peoples of Africa?

Rainforests hold special significance for the indigenous peoples of Africa, who have inhabited them for millennia.

What challenges complicate forest management and production movements in many African countries?

Economic and political changes, coupled with conflict, create challenges for forest exploitation, management, and production in many African countries.

What are the aims of forest legislation in ATO member countries?

Forest legislation in ATO member countries aims to promote the balanced utilization of forests, wildlife, and fisheries to enhance the forest sector's contribution to the country's economic, social, cultural, and scientific development.

Why is the rate of deforestation in Africa less known compared to other tropical regions?

The rate of deforestation in Africa is less known due to a lack of dependable data and survey information in some countries, making it difficult to ascertain changes in unbroken forest areas.

What role do cash crops play in forest depletion in West African countries?

West African countries' dependence on cash crops like gum, copal, rubber, cola nuts, and palm oil for income contributes to forest depletion and land-use change.

Afrotropical Realm Wiki: The Afrotropical Tapestry: A Biogeographic Exploration

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Realm Overview

Geographic Scope

The Afrotropical realm, historically known as the Ethiopian Zone, encompasses Sub-Saharan Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and the islands of the western Indian Ocean. It is geographically demarcated from the Palearctic realm by a significant belt of deserts, including the Sahara and Arabian deserts.

Climate Characteristics

Predominantly a tropical realm, it features a broad spectrum of climates. While most of the region experiences tropical conditions, it is bordered by extensive desert regions to the north, influencing its overall climatic profile and biodiversity distribution.

Ecological Significance

This realm is distinguished by its rich biodiversity and a high degree of endemism, particularly in its flora and fauna. It hosts a remarkable array of biomes, from dense rainforests to expansive savannas and arid deserts, each supporting unique ecological communities.

Major Ecological Regions

Deserts and Savannas

South of the Sahara, the realm transitions through belts of tropical grasslands and savannas. The Sahel, a semi-arid zone of short grasslands, gives way to the Sudanian Savanna further south, characterized by taller grasslands and savannas. Notable flooded grasslands include the Sudd and the Niger Inland Delta. The southern tip of Africa features distinct desert regions like the Namib, Kalahari, and Karoo, each with unique adaptations to arid conditions.

Forested Zones

A significant belt of lowland tropical moist broadleaf forests spans equatorial Africa, primarily within the Guineo-Congolian region. This includes the forests of West Africa, the Congo Basin, and a coastal strip along the Indian Ocean. These forests are vital ecosystems, though facing considerable pressure from deforestation.

Highlands and Islands

The Afromontane region, extending from the Ethiopian Highlands to South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains, supports distinctive flora, including giant senecios and lobelias. Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands represent a unique sub-region, characterized by ancient geological origins and exceptionally high levels of endemism, particularly among its lemur populations.

Endemic Flora

Unique Plant Families

The Afrotropical realm boasts numerous endemic plant families. Madagascar alone is home to ten endemic families, while South Africa hosts twelve, five of which are exclusive to the Cape floristic province. Families like Asteropeiaceae, Didiereaceae, and Penaeaceae highlight the region's botanical distinctiveness.

Characteristic Vegetation

Vegetation varies significantly across the realm. Dominant plant communities include Acacia-Commiphora woodlands in northeastern Africa, Miombo woodlands in the Zambezian region, and the unique flora of the Cape Floristic Region, such as proteas. The highlands feature specialized montane vegetation, while desert areas are adapted to extreme aridity.

Distinctive Fauna

Mammalian Diversity

The realm is renowned for its large mammal populations, particularly in the East African plains. It is also the origin of humans and their ancestors. Endemic mammal orders include Tubulidentata (aardvarks), Afrosoricida (tenrecs, golden moles), and Macroscelidea (elephant shrews). Central Africa is home to four species of great apes: gorillas and chimpanzees.

Aquatic Life

The East African Great Lakes (Victoria, Malawi, Tanganyika) are centers of cichlid fish diversity, harboring over two-thirds of the world's estimated 2,000 species. West African river systems also exhibit high fish diversity with significant endemism.

Avian and Other Endemics

Several endemic bird families, including ostriches, secretary birds, guineafowl, and mousebirds, are found here. Numerous passerine families are also restricted to the Afrotropics. The realm's rich insect diversity and unique invertebrate fauna further contribute to its ecological significance.

Habitat Variety

Tropical Rainforests

Tropical African forests constitute a substantial portion of the world's rainforests, primarily located in West, East, and Central Africa. These complex ecosystems, while rich in biodiversity, are increasingly threatened by deforestation and climate change, impacting hydrological cycles and greenhouse gas levels.

Grasslands and Savannas

Expansive savannas and grasslands are characteristic of large areas within the realm. These biomes, such as the Miombo woodlands and the Serengeti ecosystem, support iconic wildlife and are crucial for regional ecological balance.

Arid and Semi-Arid Zones

The desert regions, including the Namib and Kalahari, showcase remarkable adaptations to extreme dryness. These areas, while seemingly barren, harbor specialized flora and fauna, demonstrating resilience in harsh environmental conditions.

Historical Climate Dynamics

Temperature Fluctuations

Paleoclimate research, utilizing microfossils from soil bacteria and marine algae, indicates that tropical Africa's land temperatures cooled more significantly than the Atlantic Ocean during the last ice age. This difference influenced continental rainfall patterns, suggesting drier conditions in tropical Africa during glacial periods, which paradoxically favored the expansion of rainforests.

Precipitation and Environment

The interplay between land-sea temperature differences and atmospheric pressure has historically shaped precipitation in central Africa. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting the impact of global warming on regional rainfall and ecosystem stability.

Conservation and Challenges

Deforestation Pressures

Deforestation is a significant threat across the Afrotropical realm, driven by agricultural expansion, timber extraction, and demand for fuel wood. While conservation efforts exist, economic pressures and political instability complicate effective forest management and preservation.

Biodiversity Preservation

The realm's high endemism makes biodiversity conservation paramount. International initiatives and national legislation aim to protect habitats and manage resources sustainably. However, the rate of habitat loss and species extinction remains a critical concern, particularly in the remaining primary rainforests.

Study Resources

Key Concepts

Understanding the Afrotropical realm involves grasping concepts like biogeographic realms, biomes, endemism, and the impact of geological and climatic history on biodiversity distribution. The interplay between different ecosystems and species adaptations is central to its study.

Biogeographic Realms: Large-scale divisions of the Earth based on distinct faunal and floral assemblages.
Biomes: Major ecological communities defined by climate and dominant vegetation (e.g., rainforest, savanna, desert).
Endemism: The ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island or realm.
Climate Change Impacts: Historical and ongoing shifts in temperature and precipitation affecting habitat suitability and species distribution.
Conservation Challenges: Threats like deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change impacting the realm's rich biodiversity.

Further Exploration

The provided source material includes extensive lists of ecoregions, vegetation types, and taxonomic checklists. These resources offer deeper dives into specific areas and species within the Afrotropical realm.

Ecoregion Classifications: Detailed lists of terrestrial and marine ecoregions, categorized by biome type.
Vegetation Types: Specific classifications of vegetation across different regions, such as savannas, woodlands, and forests.
Taxonomic Checklists: Comprehensive lists of flora and fauna found within South Africa, offering insights into regional biodiversity.
Related Topics: Connections to biodiversity hotspots, centers of diversity, and specific conservation initiatives.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Afrotropical realm Wikipedia page

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The Afrotropical Tapestry

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Realm Overview ℹ️

📍 Geographic Scope

🌡️ Climate Characteristics

🌿 Ecological Significance

Major Ecological Regions 🗺️

🏜️ Deserts and Savannas

🌲 Forested Zones

⛰️ Highlands and Islands

Endemic Flora 🌿

🌸 Unique Plant Families

🌳 Characteristic Vegetation

Distinctive Fauna 🐾

🐒 Mammalian Diversity

🐠 Aquatic Life

🐦 Avian and Other Endemics

Habitat Variety 🏞️

🌳 Tropical Rainforests

🌾 Grasslands and Savannas

🌵 Arid and Semi-Arid Zones

Historical Climate Dynamics ⏳

🌡️ Temperature Fluctuations

💧 Precipitation and Environment

Conservation and Challenges 🛡️

🌳 Deforestation Pressures

🌍 Biodiversity Preservation

Study Resources 📚

💡 Key Concepts

🔗 Further Exploration

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📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Realm Overview

Geographic Scope

Climate Characteristics

Ecological Significance

Major Ecological Regions

Deserts and Savannas

Forested Zones

Highlands and Islands

Endemic Flora

Unique Plant Families

Characteristic Vegetation

Distinctive Fauna

Mammalian Diversity

Aquatic Life

Avian and Other Endemics

Habitat Variety

Tropical Rainforests

Grasslands and Savannas

Arid and Semi-Arid Zones

Historical Climate Dynamics

Temperature Fluctuations

Precipitation and Environment

Conservation and Challenges

Deforestation Pressures

Biodiversity Preservation

Study Resources

Key Concepts

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice