Holarctic Realm

Definition

A large zoogeographic region encompassing most of North America, Europe, and northern Asia. It is often subdivided into the Nearctic realm (North America south to central Mexico) and the Palearctic realm (Europe and Asia except for Southeast Asia).

Etymology

From Greek 'holo-', meaning 'whole', and 'Arctic'.

Example

The Holarctic Realm is characterized by a fauna similar to the Nearctic and Palearctic realms, including birds like vireos and wood warblers.

Related Terms

• Nearctic
• Palearctic
• Zoogeographic Realms