Further Notes on Fossil Box Turtles of Florida

Abstract

Fossil box turtles from a single Rancholabrean site in Florida demonstrate that genetic interchange occurred between Terrapene populations formerly considered distinct at the species level. Genetic interchange is presumed on the basis of morphologic intermediacy of specimens originating from intermediate stratigraphic levels. All the specimens are referred to Terrapene carolina. Distributions of distinctive subspecies in the Florida Pleistocene are presumed to be ecologically controlled. Pleistocene environmental changes are reflected in the morphologic types of box turtles found in certain deposits.