What is the distribution of ecosystems across the Earth called?

The distribution of ecosystems across the Earth is known as biogeography. This term encompasses the study of how various ecosystems are arranged in different regions of the world, and it involves examining the factors that influence the location, size, and composition of these ecosystems. These factors can include climate, geography, evolutionary history, and interactions among species.

Biogeography not only addresses where ecosystems exist but also why they are found in certain areas and how they change over time. For example, biogeographers study patterns of biodiversity and the influence of barriers, such as mountains or bodies of water, on species distribution. This understanding helps in conservation efforts and managing natural resources effectively.

The other terms, such as ecological succession, refer to the process by which ecosystems change over time (for example, when an abandoned field gradually becomes a forest). Biome classification pertains to categorizing ecosystems into larger groups based on shared characteristics, like deserts, forests, and grasslands. Climate zoning refers to the division of the Earth into different climate regions, which can influence but does not directly describe the distribution of all ecosystems. Therefore, the most accurate term for the distribution of ecosystems across the Earth is biogeography.