Montane Mammalian Biogeography in New Mexico

摘要: The validity of vicariance in explaining disjunctions distributions montane species is substantiated by numerical analyses the mammalian fauna New Mexico. Regression identify latitude, elevation highest peak, and forest area as significant, positive correlates number. Distance clustering techniques indicate close correspondence between these variables plus longitude specific compositions faunas. Because both number composition are well-described using data, a vicariant explanation Pleistocene biogeography Southern Rocky Mountains Mexico supported. geography biotas Southwest complex. Mountain ranges delimited sharply associations grassland desert at lower elevations such that disjunct. A explanation, whereby produced appearance barriers fragmenting ancestral distributions, has been proposed Brown (1971) Metcalf (1977) to describe current mammals mollusks, respectively. This model contrasts with "dispersal" explanations, which postulate crossing pre-existing barriers. Under faunas dispersed assemblages among mountain during glacial periods when climatic conditions favored displacements vegetation elevations. With retreat glaciers, climates became effectively more xeric result once again were isolated from one another. If applicable this case, well-defined distributional patterns should exist independent distance faunal sources presentday dispersal. purpose paper investigate regard on methodology discussed Platnick Nelson (1978). employed