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Sonja Walch1

  • 1Mag. pharm. Dr. phil., Universität Wien, Institut für Zeitgeschichte, Spitalgasse 2-4/Hof 1, A-1090, Wien.

Berichte Zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte
|October 3, 2020
PubMed
Summary

This study reveals how American botanist Elmer D. Merrill redefined Wallacea, a key biogeographical region, as a "transition zone" between Asia and Australia. His work reflected evolving US scientific and geopolitical interests in the Philippines during American expansion.

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Area of Science:

  • Biogeography
  • Botany
  • Historical Geography

Context:

  • Examines the conceptualization of Wallacea, a significant biogeographical region, during American expansion in the Philippines (1902-1928).
  • Focuses on the research of American botanist Elmer D. Merrill and its connection to the US scientific and cultural understanding of the Pacific.

Purpose:

  • To analyze how Merrill's study of Philippine flora challenged existing biogeographical regionalization.
  • To demonstrate how Wallacea was conceptualized as a "transition zone" reflecting both scientific and geopolitical boundaries.

Summary:

  • Merrill's inventory of Philippine plants revealed a unique flora, unclassifiable within existing Asian or Australasian categories.
  • He proposed Wallacea as an area of plant migration, a biogeographical "transition zone" between the Philippines and Australia, alongside paleontologist Roy E. Dickerson.
Keywords:
American expansionNeuordnung von WissenPflanzenwanderungTropikalitätWallaceaamerikanische Expansionphytogeografischer Migrationsraumphytogeographical area of migrationplant migrationreshaping of knowledgetropicality

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  • This conceptualization mirrored the ambiguous legal status of US overseas territories and highlighted colonial interests in plant resources.

    • Impact:

    • Reshaped phytogeographical knowledge by establishing Wallacea as a critical biogeographical region.
    • Illustrates the intersection of scientific research, colonial expansion, and the geopolitical framing of natural resources.
    • Provides insights into the historical development of biogeographical concepts and their relationship to political contexts.