Vascular Alpine Plant Distributions within the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains, U.S.A.
Hadley KS. 1987. Vascular Alpine Plant Distributions within the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains, U.S.A.. Arctic and Alpine Research. 19(3):242-251
Distribution of vascular alpine plants along the axis of the Rocky Mountain Cordillera is quantitatively analyzed through a combination of techniques involving the theory of island biogeography and floristic similarity. Thirteen alpine floras were systematically compared to determine historical and regional relationships as explained by spatial and temporal isolation. Results of the study suggest that (1) migrational barriers within the Cordillera (Wyoming Desert and Colorado Plateau) have acted to selectively influence the composition of juxta-positioned floras, (2) alpine island size, distance to contributing gene sources and latitude are moderately correlated to species richness, (3) latitude best explains floristic similarity, and (4) stepwise regression models indicating variables of isolation best explain floristic dissimilarity. A Holarctic-species divergence hypothesis is suggested to explain variability within the regional alpine flora.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Hadley, Keith
- Units
- ROMN
- Keywords
- Alpine Zone, Biogeography, Central and Southern Rocky Mountains United States, Distribution, insularity, Plant Studies, Plants (Plantae)