Oasis Hypothesis

The Oasis Hypothesis suggests that during the last ice age, certain regions—like oases—served as key refuge areas for plants and animals. As the climate changed and ice sheets melted, these places became critical for biodiversity, allowing organisms to survive and later spread to other areas. Essentially, they acted as islands of life amidst less hospitable environments, helping to shape the distribution of species we see today. This concept helps scientists understand how climate change affects ecosystems and the importance of preserving these vital habitats.