The Invisible Line in the Indian Ocean

The video explores the Wallace Line, an invisible boundary in the Indian Ocean that separates distinct animal populations. Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the father of biogeography, the line highlights the abrupt change in species between Asian and Australian islands. Wallace's observations, made in the 1800s, were later supported by geological findings, including tectonic plate movements and ice age sea level changes. The video emphasizes the interconnectedness of geology and biology in understanding species distribution, illustrating how physical barriers and historical geological events shape the natural world.

What is the Wallace Line known for?

• A river dividing two countries

• A mountain range in the Indian Ocean

• An invisible line separating different animal populations

• A visible boundary between two continents

Who is considered the father of biogeography?

• Charles Darwin

• Isaac Newton

• Alfred Russel Wallace

• Gregor Mendel

What did Wallace propose about the islands during the ice ages?

• They were covered in dense forests

• They were submerged underwater

• They were connected to each other and their respective mainland

• They were isolated by mountains

What geological feature explains the deeper water near the Wallace Line?

• Ocean currents

• Coral reefs

• Tectonic plates

• Volcanic activity

How do tectonic plates influence species distribution?

• By increasing sea levels

• By altering climate patterns

• By acting as boundaries for species

• By creating new species