Biogeography of the Tropical Pacific

Abstract

Many previous biogeographic regionalizations of the islands and
\nreefs of the tropical Pacific are unsatisfactory: the regions as defined are
\nheterogeneous, localities with unlike biotas are grouped together, and those with
\nsimilar characteristics are placed in separate categories. Often distinctions
\nappear to be based on cultural or political rather than biogeographic considerations. Criteria are defined for the establishment of biogeographic boundaries.
\nInstead of the hierarchical schemes often utilized, it is proposed that the basis
\nof biogeographic regionalization be typological. A distinction is made between
\nthe biogeographic characteristics of atolls and other reef islands, elevated
\nlimestone (makatea) islands, and high (often volcanic) islands. It is concluded
\nthat if the first two categories are filtered out, the treatment of the biogeography
\nof the third group and hence the regionalization of the Pacific becomes relatively
\nunproblematical.