Abstract
Aim Topography is a fundamental geophysical observable that contains valuable information about the geodynamic, tectonic and climatic history of a region. Here, we extend the traditional uses of topographic analysis to evaluate the role played by topography in the distribution of regional-scale biodiversity in the south-western USA. An important aspect of our study is its ability to provide a way to quantify characteristics of the topographic fabric and to construct predictive models that can be used to test hypotheses that relate topography and biodiversity.
Keywords
Geoecology,
landscape ecology,
topograpchic analysis,
land-cover diversity,
biodiversity,
spatial patterns,
tectonics
Citation
Coblentz, David D.; Riitters, Kurt H. 2004. Topographic controls on the regional-scale biodiversity of the south-western USA. Journal of Biogeography 31: 1125-1138