What geographic constraint limits the upward movement of Crotalus atrox in California?
Answer
Higher reaches of the Sierra Nevada foothills
In California, the distribution of *Crotalus atrox* is noted to be ecologically constrained, confining it largely to the desert regions, specifically the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. A key restriction mentioned is that the snake generally does not ascend far into the higher reaches of the Sierra Nevada foothills. This indicates that as elevation increases and temperatures drop, the suitability of the habitat decreases, serving as an effective upper boundary for their successful residency in that part of their range.
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