What critical difference defines the limiting factor for Wood Frogs in Kentucky versus Colorado?
Answer
In the eastern/central areas like Kentucky, the limiting factor is the timing of the spring melt; in Colorado, it is substrate and elevation.
The ecological pressures defining the distribution limits differ significantly across the Wood Frog's range. In the eastern and central parts, such as Kentucky or Virginia, the primary constraint is the timing of the spring thaw, which must occur early enough to allow breeding before the canopy closes and dries out the forest floor. Conversely, in the far west, exemplified by Colorado, the limiting factors are not primarily timing but the physical availability of the right conditions—specifically, the required substrate and suitable high elevation that maintains consistent moisture.
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