Past, Present, and Potential Future Landscapes of Wisconsin, with Emphasis on Amphibian and Reptile Distributions

Abstract

The geological history of Wisconsin, particularly glacial and permafrost cycles (Clayton et al. 2001, Syverson and Colgan 2004), shaped the current topography of the state. Bedrock and soil types, rivers and natural lakes, hills and valleys are all products of past environments (e.g., Rawling et al. 2008, Lytwyn 2010, Jacobs et al. 2011, Schaetzl and Attig 2013). These geological legacies, along with climatic gradients, strongly influence the modern plant and animal diversity in Wisconsin (Albert 1995, Schulte et al. 2002, Cutright et al. 2006). Furthermore, plant communities, which are a major component of amphibian and reptile habitats, are constantly changing through natural processes.

Citation

Brown, Donald J.; Ribic, Christine A. 2022. Past, Present, and Potential Future Landscapes of Wisconsin, with Emphasis on Amphibian and Reptile Distributions. In: Kapfer, Joshua M.; Brown, Donald J., eds. Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison WI: 25-48.