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Cover of A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, México

A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, México

Written by William Edward Duellman

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AmphibiansAnimal ecology

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About this book

"A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, México" by William E. Duellman is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century. The work focuses on the amphibian fauna inhabiting the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a critical zoogeographic region in Mexico. Duellman's study aims to catalog the species present in this area while also exploring the environmental conditions that contribute to their distribution. The opening of the study introduces the importance of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the context of Middle American zoogeography. The author outlines the historical context of prior amphibian studies in the region, notes the lack of a comprehensive herpetological record, and posits the significance of the region in understanding amphibian dispersal patterns. Duellman shares insights from his fieldwork, which commenced in the 1950s and includes substantial ecological data collected during various seasons, highlighting the challenges and findings encountered in studying the diverse environments inhabited by amphibians in this unique area.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, México, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • informative
  • rigorous

William E. Duellman's "A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, México" is a foundational scientific monograph from the mid-20th century, meticulously cataloging the amphibian species of a critical zoogeographic corridor. The study details extensive fieldwork conducted by Duellman in the 1950s, collecting comprehensive ecological and distributional data across diverse environments. It emphasizes the Isthmus's significance in understanding Middle American amphibian dispersal patterns and addresses the prior lack of a holistic herpetological record for the region. The work provides a rigorous, data-driven analysis, contributing substantially to the fields of herpetology and zoogeography.

“The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a critical zoogeographic region, serving as both a filter and a corridor for faunal dispersal between North and South America.”

Key themes

Zoogeography and Biogeographic Corridors
This is the central theme, exploring how geographical and historical factors influence the distribution of species. Duellman meticulously analyzes the Isthmus of Tehuantepec's role as a critical 'filter' and 'corridor' for amphibian dispersal between North and South America, examining how its unique topography and climate have shaped faunal movements and isolation over geological time.
Biodiversity and Species Distribution
The study's fundamental purpose is to catalog and understand the amphibian biodiversity of the Isthmus. Duellman details the presence, abundance, and specific microhabitat requirements of each species, illustrating the rich variety of amphibian life and the specific conditions that permit their existence in different parts of the region.
Ecological Factors and Habitat Specificity
Duellman investigates the intricate relationship between amphibian species and their specific environments. The study explores how variables such as elevation, rainfall, vegetation type (e.g., dry forest, wet forest, cloud forest), and aquatic resources dictate where particular amphibian species can thrive, highlighting their habitat specificity and ecological niches.

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How does Duellman's study exemplify the importance of foundational fieldwork in zoogeography?

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