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THE DISTRIBUTION OF EUROPEAN PTERIDOPHYTES: A NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
Author(s) -
BIRKS H. J. B.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1976.tb01517.x
Subject(s) - floristics , pteridophyte , distribution (mathematics) , geography , ecology , vegetation (pathology) , biology , mathematics , medicine , mathematical analysis , fern , pathology , species richness
SUMMARY The distribution of 144 species of pteridophyte in sixty‐five areas within Europe was analysed by minimum‐variance cluster analysis and principal co‐ordinates analysis. Fifteen floristic regions and twenty‐one floristic elements were delimited, and the distribution and composition of these are described. Inter‐relationships between the elements and regions are demonstrated, and the major floristic divisions revealed within Europe are discussed. Possible ecological and historical causes for these patterns are considered.