refugium

views updated May 14 2018

refugium(pl. refugia) An isolated area where extensive changes, most typically due to changing climate, have not occurred. Plants and animals formerly characteristic of the region in general find a refuge from unfavourable conditions in these areas. An example might be a mountain summit projecting above a glaciated lowland region or a part of the Amazon rain forest that did not experience a seasonal climate during Pleistocene glaciations. See also relict.

refugium

views updated May 23 2018

refugium (pl. refugia) A small isolated area where extensive changes, most typically arising from changing climate, have not occurred. Plants and animals formerly characteristic of the region in general now find a refuge from the new unfavourable conditions in these areas. An example might be a mountain summit projecting above a glaciated lowland region. See also RELICT.

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