Habitat Selection Among Higher Vertebrates and Its Relation to Intraspecific Variation

Abstract

In addition to physical and biotic factors that isolate populations of vertebrate animals and influence thereby intra-specific variations, there are psychologic factors that come into play in choosing and adhering to a particular habitat. Habitat selection may limit the occurrence of a species far short of limits imposed by requirements of nutrition, reproduction and protection from predators. Both instinctive and learned habitat preferences effect partial isolation of populations.