What two drainage systems define the northernmost and southernmost limits of the walleye's native range?
Answer
Great Slave Lake and Mississippi River basin
The native distribution of the walleye is notably vast, stretching across significant portions of North America. The text specifically identifies the northern extent of this massive distribution as the Great Slave Lake drainage system and the southern limit as the Mississippi River basin. This wide geographic spread showcases the species' general adaptability, yet the internal genetic structure reveals distinct populations within this range, separated by historical events like glaciations. The successful colonization between these endpoints reflects the lineage’s ability to navigate varied hydrological and thermal regimes across millions of years.
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