Species Diversity of Seed-Eating Desert Rodents in Sand Dune Habitats

摘要: The seed—eating rodent faunas were sampled on 18 dunes of semistabilized, wind—drifted sand in eastern California, Nevada, and western Utah. These similar general appearance the form spacing vegetation, yet number common species granivorous rodents ranged from 1 to 5. all characterized by a regular body sizes, difference size between coexisting was inversely related present. Differences diversity can be attributed ecological, biogeographic, evolutionary processes. A pool had equal opportunity colonize 13 dunes. numbers inhabiting these are determined primarily ecological factors. Species is most closely correlated with predictable amount annual rainfall, best available estimate abundance seeds. At least three apparently biogeographically depauperate; biogeographic barriers have prevented colonization particular that probably could exist those Two occur at high altitudes appear depauperate an sense; although seem capable supporting additional species, it likely no existing possess adaptations necessary them.