Fig. 1
From: A dataset of Antarctic ecosystems in ice-free lands: classification, descriptions, and maps
Graphic representation of the hierarchical classification process. Large, coloured cells (top row) represent Tier 1 Major Environmental Units (E1-E5); nested cells (middle rows) represent Tier 2, Habitat Complexes (including Distinct Overlay Ecosystems); and dark blue circles (bottom row) represent Tier 3, Bioregional Ecosystem Types. Geothermal Major Environmental Units are represented as red, orange, and pink nested cells. Penguin breeding areas are represented as a green cell nested within E1. The Lakes Major Environmental Unit (L) has one Habitat Complex (L1) represented by light blue cells. Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions (ACBRs) in Tier 3 are illustrated by semi-transparent horizontal bands. Numbers and sizes of cells and circles are not to scale and are intended for illustration purposes only. Circles representing Bioregional Ecosystem Types have been placed to indicate that not all combinations exist, and existing combinations vary in size.
