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Abstract

A total of 6980 morphometric and meristic data points were analyzed from specimens previously identified as Campostoma anomalum pullum and Compostoma oligolepis from all areas of their Ozark ranges in Arkansas. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and IBM 370 Computer System (HASP II). An attempt was made to establish separation points through multivariate analysis (MANOVA) by taxon and watershed. Additional analyses included factor analysis and discriminant function analysis. Scale count frequencies were analyzed using computer program MINITAB. MANOVA revealed a lack of consistent separation points, and Ozark populations were shown to be distinct and highly variable from one watershed to another. Factor analysis revealed high correlation among morphometric characters (r>.8), high correlation among meristic characters (r>.8), and biologically insignificant correlation between the two sets of data. Discriminant function analysis classified 77.57% of all Ozark specimens as C. a. pullum, regardless of scale count. Frequency distribution analysis of scale counts for Ozark specimens revealed a normal distribution indicative of a single-species sample. Validity of subspecific status for taxon oligolepis in Arkansas Ozark populations is implied.

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