Palearctic realm
- Pronunciation
- /puh-LEE-ark-tik/
- Category
- Zoogeography
Definition
A zoogeographic region encompassing Europe, North Africa, and most of Asia north of the Himalayas, including parts of northern Arabia and Asia Minor.
Etymology
From Greek 'palaios', meaning 'ancient', and 'arktos', meaning 'north'.
Example
The Palearctic realm is characterized by fauna such as vireos, wood warblers, deer, bison, and wolves.
Related Terms
- Nearctic realm
- Holarctic realm
- fauna
Usage Notes
The term 'Palearctic' is sometimes used to refer to the combined Holarctic realm, which includes both the Nearctic and Palearctic realms.