What factor becomes crucial when studying lizard populations near Tucson, Arizona, regarding habitat use?
Answer
Elevation cutoff points
In the region surrounding Tucson, Arizona, understanding the precise elevation cutoff points is vital for differentiating between various local whiptail species assemblages. The diversity found in this area means that habitat suitability changes significantly with altitude. For example, specific species might dominate habitats found below a 3,000-foot elevation line, whereas entirely different, locally adapted species take over the ecological niche above that established line, illustrating a clear vertical segregation of populations.
Related Questions
To which genus do whiptails currently belong, succeeding *Cnemidophorus*?What biological factor explains how *Aspidoscelis uniparens* populations stabilize without males?Where is the Western Whiptail, *Aspidoscelis tigris*, generally found?What primary need mandates that whiptails favor open areas or edges of vegetation?What habitat structure does the Texas Spotted Whiptail (*A. sexlineata*) prefer over completely bare sand?What factor becomes crucial when studying lizard populations near Tucson, Arizona, regarding habitat use?What specific visual cue helps separate closely related whiptails in California habitats?What microhabitat feature provides temporary shade for a generalist like *Aspidoscelis tigris*?Why is loose soil or sandy substrate highly beneficial for many whiptail species?Which specific environment characterizes the habitat of the Arizona-Sonora Whiptail (*Aspidoscelis sonorae*)?