Correct option is B
The Wallace Line is a biogeographical boundary that separates the Indomalayan realm (Southeast Asia) from the Australasian realm (Australia and surrounding islands). The line was first proposed by Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist, and it marks a major division in the distribution of species between the two regions.
Explanation of Other Options:
- (1) Indomalaya and Neotropical: Incorrect. The Wallace Line divides Indomalaya and Australasia, not Indomalaya and Neotropical.
- (3) Nearctic and Palearctic: Incorrect. These regions are not divided by the Wallace Line, which primarily separates Southeast Asia and Australia.
- (4) Palearctic and Afrotropical: Incorrect. The Wallace Line does not divide Palearctic and Afrotropical regions either.
Information Booster:
- The Wallace Line runs between the islands of Bali and Lombok and also separates Borneo and Sulawesi.
- To the west of the Wallace Line, the fauna is Indomalayan, while to the east, it is Australasian.
- This line is significant because it marks the distinct boundary in the distribution of species, especially mammals and birds, due to historical geological and climatic changes.
- The Wallace Line is a biogeographical boundary, but there are exceptions of species that cross this boundary due to historical land bridges and other factors.
- Alfred Russel Wallace is famous for his contributions to evolutionary theory, along with Charles Darwin, and the Wallace Line is named after him.
