Does the Wallace Line pertain to the history of the planet that determines the distribution of the species?

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The question asks whether the Wallace Line pertains to the history of the planet that determines the distribution of the species.
Option 1: True. The Wallace Line (Wallacea) is a biogeographic boundary that reflects historical geological and climatic changes, such as plate tectonics, sea-level fluctuations, and island formation, which over evolutionary timescales have shaped why species are distributed where they are. This interpretation centers on the planet's history as a key driver of present-day distribution patterns.
Option 2: False. If one were to claim False, it would imply that the Wallace Line has nothing to do with historical planetary processes. However, the concept arises precisely because deep-time geological history and past land connections (or their absence) have determined which faunas and floras could disperse and diversify across the region. It is not merely a contemporary or purely ecological boundary, but a reflection of historical planetary change.
Option 3: True, but for a different reason. One could argue the line is about distribution, which is a product of historical processes, yet this restates the core idea without adding nuance about why those distributions arose.
Option 4: False, because the line only represents modern species ranges without considering historical forces. This misses the fundamental point that biogeographic boundaries like Wallacea are interpreted through the lens of historical geology and past connectivity, not just current observations.
In summary, the Wallace Line is about how historical planetary changes have shaped the distribution of species, so the statement aligns with the established interpretation of its significance.

ANTHRO_102_18379FA25S Exam #3

Does the Wallace Line pertain to the history of the planet that determines the distribution of the species?

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