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Malesian subkingdom
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Map outlining the Malesian floral subkingdom in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, shaded and divided into three labeled regions: Western Division (covering Sumatra, Borneo, and surrounding areas), Eastern Division (including Mindanao, Moluccas, and New Guinea), and Southern Division (including Java). Division boundaries are marked, and major islands and seas are labeled for context. World map using color coding to show the distribution of major floral kingdoms, subkingdoms, and regions. Key floral kingdoms include Boreal (green), Neotropical (pink), Paleotropical (yellow), South African or Capensic (purple), Australian (orange), and Antarctic (blue). Boundaries for subkingdoms, regions, and divisions are marked with different colored lines, and major regions such as Indoafrican, North American, and Malesian are labeled across continents.
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Malesian subkingdom

biogeography
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Map outlining the Malesian floral subkingdom in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, shaded and divided into three labeled regions: Western Division (covering Sumatra, Borneo, and surrounding areas), Eastern Division (including Mindanao, Moluccas, and New Guinea), and Southern Division (including Java). Division boundaries are marked, and major islands and seas are labeled for context.
boundaries of the Malesian floral subkingdom Boundaries of the Malesian floral subkingdom and its three major divisions.

The Malesian subkingdom is a biogeographic region encompassing the islands of Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula, extending eastward to mainland New Guinea. This region is characterized by its rich flora, particularly dense evergreen rainforests, and a diverse array of animal life.12

The Malesian subkingdom is part of the larger Paleotropical floral kingdom and is notable for its high number of endemic genera, with a significant concentration in its western division, which includes the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Philippines. The biome types range from tropical rainforests to montane and cloud forests.1

Historically, this region has been a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange, influenced by India, China, the Middle East, and later Europe. The area has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of Stone Age and Bronze Age civilizations. The flora is exceptionally diverse, featuring thousands of vascular plant species, including unique plants like the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower. Animal life is also varied, with mammals such as orangutans, tigers, and various species of deer, as well as numerous reptiles and birds.3425

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. Southeast Asia - Animal life
  2. Malaysia - Plant and animal life
  3. biogeographic region - Malesian subkingdom
  4. Malaysia - Prehistory and the rise of Indianized states
  5. Malaysia - Early European intrusions and emerging sultanates

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