The movement of organisms from one place to another.
Dispersal modes: The different ways in which organisms can move from one place to another, including active and passive dispersion.
Dispersal barriers: Factors that limit or prevent the movement of organisms from one place to another, such as physical barriers, biotic factors, and environmental conditions.
Range expansion and contraction: How the geographic distribution of a species changes over time in response to changing environmental conditions or dispersal patterns.
Habitat fragmentation: The process by which large, continuous habitats are broken up into smaller, isolated patches, which can impact the dispersal and distribution of species.
Corridors and stepping stones: The role of narrow strips of habitat that connect isolated patches in promoting dispersal and reducing the impact of habitat fragmentation.
Island biogeography: The study of how species diversity and distribution are affected by the geography and history of islands, which can provide insights into the dispersal and colonization of new areas.
Dispersal syndromes: Adaptations in plant species that facilitate long-distance dispersal, such as fruits with sticky or buoyant seeds.
Biogeographic regions: The large-scale divisions of the Earth's surface based on the distribution of flora and fauna, which can be used to study patterns of dispersal and biotic interchange over time.
Phylogeography: The study of how genetic diversity and population structure are influenced by historical events and biogeographical factors, such as dispersal, isolation, and range expansion.
Spatial ecology: The study of how environmental factors and dispersal patterns influence the distribution and abundance of species in space and time.
Vicariance: Occurs when a geographic barrier is formed, separating previously connected populations of a species.
Jump dispersal: Occurs when a species moves large distances to colonize a new habitat, often facilitated by unique adaptations to travel long distances.
Continuous range expansion: Occurs when a species expands its range over thousands of years, slowly extending into new areas.
Introductions: Occurs when a species is intentionally or unintentionally introduced by humans to a new area.
Dispersal by rafting: Occurs when organisms use floating debris or vegetation to cross large bodies of water.
Range contraction: Occurs when a species' range becomes smaller over time due to environmental changes or human activity.
Sweepstakes dispersal: Occurs when a small population of a species is transported to a new habitat by a unique event, such as a storm or flood.
Range expansion through artificial means: Occurs when a species is intentionally introduced by humans to a new area, such as for conservation purposes.
Corridor dispersal: Occurs when a habitat patch serves as a connecting corridor between two larger habitats, allowing for the dispersal of species between them.
Passive dispersive phase: Occurs in species with a mobile larvae or pupal stage, where individuals disperse passively before settling in a new location.