What environmental shift acts as a firm barrier preventing Crotalus atrox range expansion eastward in Oklahoma?
Answer
Shift to wetter, more heavily forested environments eastward
The eastern boundary of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake's range in Oklahoma exhibits a sharp demarcation, with populations generally absent from the eastern third of the state. This absence is attributed to the ecological transition occurring there. Specifically, the shift into environments characterized as wetter and more heavily forested creates a firm barrier to further expansion. This suggests that the increased moisture levels and different vegetative cover found in these eastern regions do not suit the classic desert dweller, which favors drier conditions.
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