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| | CH 2001(5) - Means and Krysko |
 | | Populations inhabiting the eastern Apalachicola Lowlands, a distinct biotic province, are different from the surrounding populations in having fewer and wider light body crossbands, distinct ontogenetic interband lightening, unique ventral patterns, and the presence of non-banded (striped and patternless) individuals. |
 | | The eastern Apalachicola Lowlands population is distinct in having crossband numbers from 1 to 25 (mean = 11.5), crossband width from 3 to 200 (mean = 77.4) dorsal scale rows, lightened interbands rated as C and D, ventral patterns of bicolor or loose checkerboard with interspersed bicolor scales, and non-banded (striped or patternless) morphs. |
 | | The proximity of the Apalachicola Lowlands to the Gulf of Mexico, and the fact that extensive barrier islands have developed offshore in the past 6500 years (Stapor, 1975), suggests isolation might have been in the form of ancient islands or peninsulas created by high stands of the sea during the Pleistocene. |
| www.calacademy.org /research/herpetology/ch/ch/2001/5 (3076 words) |
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