About
- The Wallace Line is an imaginary boundary that separates the Asian and Australian ecozones in Southeast Asia. It was discovered by Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist, in the 19th century.
What It Separates:
- West of the Wallace Line (Asia): Animals like tigers, elephants, and monkeys (similar to mainland Asia).
- East of the Wallace Line (Australia): Animals like kangaroos, cockatoos, and marsupials (similar to Australia).
Why It Exists:
- During past ice ages, sea levels were lower, connecting mainland Asia with islands like Sumatra, Java, and Borneo (allowing Asian species to spread).
- But deep ocean waters separated Sulawesi, Lombok, and Australia, preventing Asian and Australian species from mixing.