Nebraska Academy of Sciences
Date of this Version
1980
Abstract
A review of Pleistocene herpetofaunas of eastern and central North America does not support the classical concept of alternating cool-moist, warm-dry glacial and interglacial climates. On the contrary, herpetological evidence generally indicates Pleistocene climates south of the glacial boundaries were warmer or more equable than today until very Late Pleistocene time, when there is some evidence of cooling in the Ozark and Appalachian areas. On the other hand, there is evidence that climatic equability persisted in southern Texas, northeastern Mississippi, northwestern Georgia, and Florida, in very Late Pleistocene time. Since classical terms such as Nebraskan, Aftonian, Kansan, etc., reflect the concept of alternating glacial and interglacial climates, it is suggested that the use of Provincial Land Mammal Ages is more realistic in reflecting Pleistocene biostratigraphic units.
Comments
1980. Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences, VIII: 131-140. Copyright © 1980 Holman