Integrating Fuzzy Logic and Statistics to Improve the Reliable Delimitation of Biogeographic Regions and Transition Zones

摘要: This study uses the amphibian species of Mediterranean basin to develop a consistent procedure based on fuzzy sets with which biogeographic regions and biotic transition zones can be objectively detected reliably mapped. Biogeographical regionalizations are abstractions geographical organization life Earth that provide frameworks for cataloguing ecosystems, answering basic questions in biogeography, evolutionary biology, systematics, assessing priorities conservation. On other hand, limits between may form sharply defined boundaries along some parts their borders, whereas elsewhere they consist broad zones. The set approach provides heuristic way analyse complexity biota within an area; significantly different whose mutual sometimes fuzzy, clearly crisp. Most described literature biogeographical area present certain degree convergence when compared context interpretation, as many differences found located zones, according our case study. Compared classification procedures sets, novelty method is both logic statistics used together synergy order avoid arbitrary decisions definition (Biodiversity; biological geography; regionalization; composition; boundaries; sets; amphibians; basin.)