Department
Biology
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Geographic variation among populations of Onychomys leucogaster in western North America was investigated using morphometric, karyotypic, and fossil data. Populations previously considered to represent O. l. utahensis, as well as those from the southern portion of the range of O. l. fuscogriseus, are regarded as color variants of O. l. brevicaudus that do not warrant separate subspecific status. Populations in northeastern Oregon and eastern Washington are described and named as a distinct subspecies. O. l. brevicaudus in the Great Basin is more similar morphologically to O. l. arcticeps in the Wyoming Basin than to O. l. melanophrys or O. l. pallescens on the Colorado Plateau although all four have the same standard karyotype. Late glacial/early Holocene fossils indicate that O. leucogaster was a component of a "cold" desert refuge in the location of the present Mohave "hot" desert during the last glacial episode. It progressed northward into the Great Basin during late glacial time, and then eastward into the Wyoming Basin and farther northward onto the northern Columbia Plateau during early Holocene time.
Advisor
Jerry R. Choate
Date of Award
Summer 1984
Document Type
Thesis - campus only access
Recommended Citation
Riddle, Brett R., "Systematics and Biogeography of Northern Grasshopper Mice Inhabiting the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, Columbia Plateau, and Wyoming Basin" (1984). Master's Theses. 1923.
DOI: 10.58809/CDHV2473
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/1923
Rights
© 1984 Brett R. Riddle
Comments
For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu