What do we mean by distribution of species?

Question

What is meant by distribution of species in the following context? >density-independent factors tend to limit the ***distribution** of individuals and therefore of **species***.

Answer 1

The distribution of A species is the way the individuals of a single species exist across space (ex. landscapes or regions) and time (ex. seasons or centuries). The distribution of species in general is how multiple species exist across space and time. Species distributions can be quantified in terms of their overall range, the way in which abundance (individuals per unit of area) changes across these scales, or other factors of interest (population structure, etc.).

In this statement they bring up density independent factors, which are factors that are not impacted or altered by the amount of individuals that are present (this can be temperature, terrain, weather, etc.). These factors can present barriers to individuals. If we consider the distribution of humans throughout the planet we might notice that humans tend not to be found in the poles, and that there are increased densities in cities. This is looking at how individuals of the species (human) exist. We do not live in the not to live in the poles because are bodies are not adapted for these temperatures, it is very difficult for any individual to human to live there. By extent, if the individual humans cannot live there, the human species will not be found there, and our human distribution will be limited to places of more moderate temperatures.

I hope this helps clarify things for you! If you have any additional questions please feel free to comment and I am happy to work through it.