Geographic Variation in the Pocket Gopher, Thomomys bottae, in Colorado

The book opens by sketching Colorado’s patchwork of valleys, pine forests, and high‑country plains, where two closely related pocket gophers—Thomomys bottae and Thomomys talpoides—occupy distinct but interlocking ranges. Their habitats stretch from low‑elevation piñon‑juniper woodlands to subalpine spruce zones, offering a natural laboratory for studying how a single genus adapts to varied environments.

From there, the author sets out three clear objectives: map the distribution of T. bottae across the state, pinpoint the subtle differences that separate its subspecies, and document the patterns of individual and geographic variation. The research relies on careful examination of adult specimens, using precise skeletal landmarks, standardized color measurements, and a focus on female traits that tend to vary less dramatically than males. Detailed field notes and a network of museum collections underpin the analysis.

Listeners will be guided through a meticulous scientific investigation, hearing how each specimen tells a story about its local landscape. The work illustrates the delicate balance between form and habitat, providing a window into the processes that shape biodiversity in the Rocky Mountain region.