CHAPTER XVI 
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ANIMALS 
148. Geographical distribution—Under the head of dis- 
tribution we consider the facts of the diffusion of organ- 
isms over the surface of the earth, and the laws by which 
this diffusion is governed. 
The geographical distribution of animals is often known 
as zodgeography. In physical geography we may prepare 
maps of the earth which shall bring into prominence the 
physical features of its surface. Such maps would show 
here a sea, here a plateau, here a range of mountains, 
there a desert, a prairie, a peninsula, or an island. In po- 
litical geography the maps show the physical features of 
the earth, as related to the states or powers which claim 
the allegiance of the people. In zodgeography the realms 
of the earth are considered in relation to the types or 
species of animals which inhabit them. Thus a series of 
maps of the United States could be drawn which would 
show the gradual disappearance of.the buffalo before the 
attacks of man. Another might be drawn which would 
show the present or past distribution of the polar bear, 
black bear, and grizzly. Still another might show the 
original range of the wild hares or rabbits of the United 
States, the white rabbit of the Northeast, the cotton-tail of 
the East and South, the jack-rabbit of the plains, the snow- 
shoe rabbit of the Columbia River, the tall jack-rabbit of 
California, the black rabbits of the islands of Lower Cali- 
fonia, and the marsh-hare of the South and the water-hare 
of the canebrakes, and that of all their relatives. Such a 
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