biogeographic contrasts

[John R. Grehan]

Some of the differences in perspective raised by Peter Hovenkamp
are reflected in a recent debate between myself and Barry Cox. One issue
that came up iwas over Croizat and plate tectonics.
Cox believed that Croizat for a long time opposed plate tectonics.
I pointed out Croizat cautiously accepted plate tectonic theory (as
distinct from continental drift) as a geological mechanism for
biogeographic patterns as early as 1961.

If anyone has information to suggest
there were any biogeographers publishing support for plate tectonic
theory even earlier I would be most interested as I have not carried out
any extensive review of that period. Croizat (1961) was referring
to a 1959 article so there is a 2-3 year window that someone else
might have filled.

Grehan, J. R. 2001. Panbiogeography from tracks to ocean basins: evolving
perspectives.
Journal of Biogeography 28, 413-429.

John Grehan
Frost Entomological Museum
Pennsylvania State University
Department of Entomology
501 ASI Building
University Park, PA 16802. USA.

Phone: (814) 863-2865
Fax: (814) 865-3048

Frost Museum
http://www.ento.psu.edu/home/Frost/index.html