In this paper, I review the relevance of the niche to biogeography, and what biogeography
may tell us about the niche. The niche is defined as the combination of abiotic and biotic
conditions where a species can persist. I argue that most biogeographic patterns are created
by niche differences over space, and that even 'geographic barriers' must have an
ecological basis. However, we know little about specific ecological factors underlying most
biogeographic patterns. Some evidence supports the importance of abiotic factors, whereas …