Humboldt’s Enigma

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Context

• The reason behind the mountains’ disproportional contribution to global species diversity is not understood and has been dubbed “Humboldt’s enigma.”

Alexander von Humboldt:

• Renowned polymath explorer, active from 1769 to 1859.
• Documented extensive observations across various scientific fields during his explorations.
• Explored South America and conducted significant studies on Chimborazo mountain.

Humboldt's Contribution:

• Explored plant distribution on mountains, noting environmental factors.
• Recognized the interplay between temperature, altitude, humidity, and species occurrence patterns.
• Chimborazo mountain in Ecuador became a focal point for his studies, illustrating the diversity found in mountainous regions.

Humboldt's Enigma:

• Proposed by contemporary biogeographers.
• Challenges the prevailing belief that biodiversity is concentrated in tropical regions.
• Identifies mountains, such as the Eastern Himalaya, as unexpectedly diverse areas, sparking further exploration into the factors contributing to this diversity.

Diversity in Indian Context:

• Contrary to expectations, the Eastern Himalaya emerges as exceptionally diverse.
• Climate dissimilarity, geological variations, and other ecological factors contribute to unique biodiversity patterns in specific regions.

Drivers of Biodiversity in Mountains:

• Geological processes act as both "cradles" and "museums" for species.
• "Cradles" result from uplifts creating new habitats, while "museums" sustain species over extended periods.
• Coastal tropical sky islands, exemplified by the Shola Sky Islands, showcase old lineages persisting amidst fluctuating climates.

Role of Geology:

• High geological heterogeneity globally correlates with high biodiversity in mountains.
• Different rock types influence soil composition, creating unique habitat patches.
• Geological diversity contributes to the promotion of species diversification.

Challenges and Unknowns:

• Fine-scale data on species occurrences are crucial for understanding biodiversity patterns.
• Birds, particularly passerines, are well-described globally; however, many regions, like the Eastern Ghats in India, remain understudied.
• Limited availability of comprehensive data poses challenges in explaining biodiversity variations.

Ongoing Efforts:

• National programs, including the National Mission on Himalayan Studies, address research gaps.
• Modern tools, such as genetic analysis, play a crucial role in comprehensive biodiversity assessments.
• Continued efforts are essential for a deeper understanding of biodiversity patterns.

Conclusion:

• Humboldt's Enigma represents one facet of the complex puzzle of mountain biodiversity.
• Strengthening research initiatives and employing modern tools are pivotal for unraveling mysteries and addressing global challenges related to climate and landscape change.
• Insights gained contribute to a holistic understanding of biodiversity dynamics in diverse ecosystems.