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 Rats 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. 
