Abstract
AbstractMunroe (1956) summarized knowledge of the distribution patterns and history of the Canadian insect fauna; and a general synthesis beyond his conclusions is not yet possible. Results of studies on Nearctic Nebria taxa illustrate present distribution patterns and provide clues to the history of the montane fauna of western Canada. Nebria species and subspecies diversity is greatest in the Coast/Cascade Mountains just south of Canada and decreases northward. Major centers of endemism are located south of Canada, in the Coast/Cascade and southern Rocky Mountain systems, with minor centers found in western Alberta and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Species and subspecies vicariance patterns link Coast/Cascade and Rocky Mountain systems across the Okanagan lowland; and subspecies vicariance patterns link (1) Coast and Cascade mountains across Puget lowland/Georgia Strait and (2) central Canadian Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountains of western Wyoming. These and other data presented on Nebria distribution patterns and faunal similarities among different mountain ranges and systems suggest that the present montane fauna of western Canada is derived from two source areas—one in the Coast/Cascade Mountain region, one in the Rocky Mountain region, each just south of the Canadian/U.S. border—which were separate and distinct during and after Wisconsinan time. Northern (e.g. Beringian) Wisconsinan refugia apparently did not contribute significantly to the present montane fauna.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.