Notes on the island distribution pattern of the Permian Cathaysian flora in China: an example of the application of the equilibrium theory of island biogeography in palaeobiogeography

Although the equilibrium theory of island biogeography (ETIB) has had a great influence on ecological biogeography and resulted in a radical change in this field, it has so far proved difficult to pinpoint palaeobiogeographic examples. In order to test the possibility of its applicability to palaeobiogeography, the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the Permian Cathaysian flora of China are analyzed. Preliminary analysis of floral composition, successional process, distributional pattern, spreading direction and probable original area of occurrence indicate that if the ETIB is adopted in palaeobiogeography, it can be an effective tool to examine dispersion, drift and accretion processes of the emerged plates or palaeoblocks where land vegetation had developed.