Cosmopolitan (biology)

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Distribution map of the peregrine falcon
  • Summer - breeding bird
  • Stand breeding bird
  • Winter guest
  • Migratory bird
    • Distribution map of the blue whale

    A cosmopolitan ( Greek κόσμος kósmos "world" πολίτης polites , "citizen", "residents") is a living being , the commitment contained in it biotopes (habitats) worldwide, or over much of the earth spread is. The associated adjective is "cosmopolitan", the (more appropriate) synonym is "geopolitical" (common in all animal geographic regions). One example is the peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ), which has many subspecies on all continents except for Antarctica populated and is the most widespread bird species.

    In contrast to the cosmopolitan, an ubiquist ( lat . Ubique "everywhere") is an animal or plant species without specific demands on its environment, so it can thrive under very different conditions. In contrast to the cosmopolitan there is the endemic , whose occurrence is limited to a certain, naturally delimited distribution area.

    Seasonal walks

    For some animal species, the global distribution arises as a result of extensive migrations . On the other hand, the distribution can fluctuate greatly depending on the season. An example of this is the blue whale ( Balaenoptera musculus ).

    Cosmopolitan and human

    Also the person has a significant impact on the global distribution of species. As a species that has spread around the world by itself, other species have spread in its wake, partly on purpose, partly unintentionally. Intentional dissemination took place above all in the context of agriculture (e.g. cattle , grain ), often unintentionally as a cultural follower (e.g. house mouse ). A special case are pathogens whose worldwide distribution can be subject to very strong fluctuations over time. Phases of low spread can alternate with pandemics (example: influenza ).

    Individual evidence

    1. ↑ a b Erwin J. Hentschel, Günther H. Wagner : Zoological dictionary . 6th edition. Gustav Fischer Verlag Jena, Jena 1996, p. 349 .
    2. ^ Ulrich Lehmann: Paleontological Dictionary . 4th edition. Ferdinand Enke Verlag, Stuttgart 1996, p. 126 .
    3. ^ Erwin J. Hentschel, Günther H. Wagner: Zoological dictionary . 6th edition. Gustav Fischer Verlag Jena, Jena 1996, p. 270 .
    4. ^ Erwin J. Hentschel, Günther H. Wagner: Zoological dictionary . 6th edition. Gustav Fischer Verlag Jena, Jena 1996, p. 598 .
    5. ^ Ulrich Lehmann: Paleontological Dictionary . 4th edition. Ferdinand Enke Verlag, Stuttgart 1996, p. 250 .