Evaluating the biotic integrity of watersheds in the Sierra Nevada, California

Article Abstract:

Researchers developed a watershed index of biotic integrity that utilized watershed variables rather than site-specific variables. The index scores, which were based on distribution and abundance of native fish and frogs, revealed that 7 were in excellent condition, 36 were in good condition, 48 were in fair condition, and 9 were in poor condition. Major factors contributing to low index scores were large dams and introduced fishes.

Environmental impact analysis, Natural history, Fishes, Sierra Nevada (United States), Dams, Watershed management

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Coevolutionary implications of an endemic Pleistocene megaherbivore fauna for insular floras of the California Channel Islands

Article Abstract:

Lizabeth Bowen and Dirk Van Buren's 1997 study states that the flora of California's Santa Cruz Island evolved in the absence of mammalian herbivores, but the Channel Island mammoth inhabited the island and other Channel Islands for about 50,000 of the last 60,000 years. Comparing the evolution of fauna on these islands with those without mammalian influence may be useful.

Geology, Stratigraphic, Stratigraphy, Ice age, Paleobiogeography

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Reduced defenses in insular endemic plants: an evolutionary time frame

Article Abstract:

Joseph P. Dudley's critique of Bowen and Van Buren's 1997 study of plant evolution on California's Channel Islands rests on findings that the herbivorous mammoth was present until 10,000 years ago. Plants can evolve reduced defenses in such a time frame. The few specimens of mammoths found on Santa Cruz Island have been inadequate for radiometric dating.

Plants, Plant evolution

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