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Cover of A New Pocket Gopher (Genus Thomomys), from Eastern Colorado

A New Pocket Gopher (Genus Thomomys), from Eastern Colorado

Written by E. Raymond (Eugene Raymond) Hall

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MammalsPocket gophers

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About this book

"A New Pocket Gopher (Genus Thomomys), from Eastern Colorado" by E. Raymond Hall is a scientific publication written in the early 1950s. This work represents a study focused on the taxonomy of pocket gophers, specifically examining previously misclassified specimens from east-central Colorado and proposing a new subspecies. The text is aimed at scholars and researchers in the field of mammalogy and provides detailed anatomical and geographic information regarding this rodent species. In this publication, Hall identifies and describes a new subspecies of the pocket gopher, named "Thomomys talpoides retrorsus", which was discovered in the region of eastern Colorado. By analyzing specimens and their characteristics, Hall distinguishes this subspecies from others previously categorized and offers a thorough comparison based on various skull measurements, coloration, and other anatomical features. The study not only clarifies the subspecific identity of these gophers but also addresses previous taxonomic confusion, contributing valuable knowledge to the understanding of mammalian diversity in North America.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A New Pocket Gopher (Genus Thomomys), from Eastern Colorado, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Informative
  • Analytical
  • Precise

E. Raymond Hall's "A New Pocket Gopher (Genus Thomomys), from Eastern Colorado" is a seminal scientific publication from the early 1950s that meticulously details the discovery and classification of a previously unrecognized subspecies of pocket gopher. Focusing on specimens from east-central Colorado, Hall resolves existing taxonomic ambiguities by proposing and thoroughly describing *Thomomys talpoides retrorsus*. The work contributes significantly to mammalogy by providing detailed anatomical measurements, coloration descriptions, and geographic distribution data, thereby enhancing the understanding of mammalian diversity in North America and refining the taxonomy of the *Thomomys* genus.

“A new subspecies of pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) from east-central Colorado is herein described.”

Key themes

Taxonomy and Classification
This is the overarching scientific theme, focusing on the principles and practice of naming, defining, and classifying organisms. Hall's work exemplifies the meticulous process of identifying a new subspecies, distinguishing it from related forms, and integrating it into the existing hierarchical classification system. It underscores the importance of precise categorization for biological understanding.
Biodiversity and Speciation
The study contributes to the broader theme of understanding the diversity of life on Earth, specifically focusing on micro-evolutionary processes that lead to the formation of distinct subspecies. By identifying *Thomomys talpoides retrorsus*, Hall highlights the subtle but significant variations within a species and how these variations contribute to the overall richness of biological diversity in a specific geographic region.
Scientific Methodology and Observation
This theme explores the rigorous process by which scientific knowledge is acquired and validated. Hall's paper serves as a model of empirical investigation, emphasizing meticulous observation, precise measurement, comparative analysis, and evidence-based argumentation. It demonstrates the iterative nature of science, where previous classifications are revisited and refined based on new data.

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