dispersal fantasy / panbiogeography

[John R. Grehan]

It was interesting to see Pierre Deleporte's questions. The panbiogeography
book of Craw et al is an introductory starting point so it will not meet
all the needs of those interested in reaching a deeper understanding. I
think if Pierrert or anyone is really interested in the answers these will
come with a reading of the panbiogeographic literature (including Croizat's
- don't make the mistake that the vicariance cladists made in regarding it
as obsolete) and putting the method to an empirical test through
application. There are answers to all Pierre's questions, but the real
issue behind his question is not so much that there may or may not be an
answer as it is whether he may or may not accept the answer. Some of the
issues raised are philosophical. Whether an approach 'should' do this or
that or anything else I will Ieave to individuals to decide.

>have. When it has explicit models, it implements logics already present in
>other biogeographic approaches.

This might be interesting as it reflects that classic three phase process
of acceptance - first ignore it, then attack it, then finally claim that it
has nothing new.

What I do find interesting, from a philosophical perspective, is the way
that the development and application of panbiogeography is not homogenous
throughout the globe. A greater number of people in some places (e.g. Latin
America) and times seem to reach an understanding of the method without
great trouble , while for others panbiogeography seems to present an
insurmountable obstacle.

John Grehan


John Grehan
Frost Entomological Museum
Pennsylvania State University
Department of Entomology
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