THE DISTRIBUTION OF ANIMALS. 



379 



Greenland. As we approach the tropics, the variety and 

 number of land Birds increase. Those of the torrid zone 

 are noted for their brilliant plumage, and the temperate 

 forms for their more sober hues, but sweeter voices. In- 

 dia and South America are the richest regions. Hum- 

 mers, Tanagers, Orioles, and Toucans are restricted to the 

 New World. Parrots are found in every continent ex- 

 cept Europe ; and Woodpeckers occur everywhere, save in 

 Australia. 



The vast majority of Mammals are terrestrial; but Ce- 

 taceans and Seals belong to the sea, Otters and Beavers de- 

 light in lakes and rivers, and Moles are subterranean. As 

 of Birds, the aquatic species abound in the polar regions. 

 Marsupials inhabit two widely separated areas — America 

 and Australia. In the latter continent they constitute 

 two thirds of the fauna, while all placental Mammals, ex- 

 cept Bats and a few Eats and Squirrels, are wanting. 

 Excepting a few species in South Africa and South Asia, 

 Edentates are confined to tropical South America. The 

 equine family is indigenous to South and East Africa and 

 Southern Asia. In North America, Rodents form about 

 one half the number of Mammals; there are but three 

 species in Madagascar. Ruminants are sparingly repre- 

 sented in America. Carnivores flourish in every zone 

 and continent. The prehensile-tailed Monkeys are strict- 

 ly South American ; while the anthropoid Apes belong 

 to the west coast of Africa, and to Borneo and Sumatra. 

 Both Monkeys and Apes are most abundant near the equa- 

 tor ; in fact, their range is limited by the distribution of 

 palms. 



