Biogeographic Relationships of Pocket Gophers (Geomys breviceps and Geomys bursarius) in the Southeastern Portion of Their Ranges Metadata

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Title

  • Main Title Biogeographic Relationships of Pocket Gophers (Geomys breviceps and Geomys bursarius) in the Southeastern Portion of Their Ranges

Creator

  • Author: Elrod, Douglas Allen
    Creator Type: Personal

Contributor

  • Chair: Zimmerman, Earl G.
    Contributor Type: Personal
    Contributor Info: Major Professor
  • Chair: Heidt, Gary A.
    Contributor Type: Personal
    Contributor Info: Major Professor
  • Committee Member: Atkinson, Samuel F.
    Contributor Type: Personal
  • Committee Member: Dickson, Kenneth L.
    Contributor Type: Personal
  • Committee Member: Beitinger, Thomas L.
    Contributor Type: Personal

Publisher

  • Name: University of North Texas
    Place of Publication: Denton, Texas

Date

  • Creation: 1998-08

Language

  • English

Description

  • Content Description: This research utilized population genetic analyses (protein starch-gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing of the cytochrome b mtDNA gene), host-parasite specificity (lice coevolution), remote sensing of satellite data, and geographic information systems (GIS) to characterize newly discovered populations of pocket gophers (genus: Geomys) in Arkansas. These populations are isolated and occur in seemingly unsuitable habitat in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Analyses of electrophoretic and ectoparasite data suggested the populations in the Ozark Mountains represented isolates allied to Geomys bursarius, a species not known to occur in Arkansas. Comparison of mitochondrial DNA sequence data of the cytochrome b gene with that of other taxa and morphometric analyses confirmed that these populations are most closely allied to G. bursarius occurring to the north in Missouri. Moreover, these mtDNA sequence analyses indicated a degree of differentiation typical of that between other subspecies of pocket gophers. Therefore, these populations represent a distinct genetic entity in an intermediate stage of speciation and should be designated as a new subspecies, Geomys bursarius ozarkensis. Molecular clock analysis revealed a time of lineage divergence for this new subspecies as approximately 511,000 YBP. Due to the isolated nature and limited distribution of this subspecies, an evaluation of critical habitat needs was initiated. Remote sensing and GIS technologies were used to identify and describe suitable habitat Computerized classification of satellite imagery of suitable vegetation, integrated with ancillary digital information on soil associations, roads, and water systems, revealed that human activity had played a positive role in the establishment and dispersal of pocket gophers in this area. This research represents an initial combination of classical systematic tools with remote sensing and GIS to investigate biogeographic patterns and evolution. This project establishes a framework for using an interdisciplinary approach to studying organisms with limited distributions, determining evolutionary status, and providing recommendations for conservation.
  • Physical Description: vi, 78 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps

Subject

  • Keyword: pocket gophers
  • Keyword: habitat needs
  • Keyword: DNA sequencing
  • Library of Congress Subject Headings: Pocket gophers -- Arkansas.
  • Library of Congress Subject Headings: Pocket gophers -- Geographical distribution.

Coverage

  • Place Name: United States - Arkansas

Collection

  • Name: UNT Theses and Dissertations
    Code: UNTETD

Institution

  • Name: UNT Libraries
    Code: UNT

Rights

  • Rights Access: public
  • Rights License: copyright
  • Rights Statement: Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
  • Rights Holder: Elrod, Douglas Allen

Resource Type

  • Thesis or Dissertation

Format

  • Text

Identifier

  • Call Number: 379 N81d no.4676
  • UNT Catalog No.: b2114847
  • Accession or Local Control No: 1002659103-Elrod_Color
  • Archival Resource Key: ark:/67531/metadc500612

Degree

  • Degree Level: Doctoral
  • Degree Grantor: University of North Texas
  • Degree Name: Doctor of Philosophy
  • Academic Department: Department of Biological Sciences
  • Degree Discipline: Biology
  • Degree Publication Type: disse

Note

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