Peninsula effect and species richness gradient in terrestrial mammals on the Korean Peninsula and other peninsulas

摘要: Although the original concept of peninsula effect was that fewer mammal species inhabited peninsulas than were found on adjacent mainland, biogeographers have focused their attention richness gradients bisect long axes peninsulas, instead concept. We evaluated evidence for effect, by comparing terrestrial Korean Peninsula with mainland areas, and investigating 14 other distributed globally. Our objectives to: (1) demonstrate existence continental areas same size shape; (2) test whether a declining gradient in towards tip represents universal tendency associated global peninsulas. We used International Union Conservation Nature's spatial datasets mammals WorldClim climate dataset to create 1000 Peninsula-shaped polygons, randomly placed them areas. recorded number mammalian mean annual temperature precipitation each polygon, these as variables linear regression model. counted along central line over 50000 km2 size. Although entire did not exhibit significant (P = 0.1), South Korea (P < 0.05) after controlling precipitation. Fewer similar areas. We modelled general pattern decline (β  =  -3.63, P < 0.001). In 10 negative relationship existed between distance from boundary; four this positive. Isolated without ‘stepping stone’ islands exhibited strongest declines richness. Our results patterns illustrate can be revealed careful analyses, may indicate effects biogeography biodiversity.