Factor Analysis of Fish Distribution Patterns in Western and Central Oklahoma

Factor analysis of fish distribution patterns in western and central Oklahoma. Syst. Zool. 23:202–218.—The distribution patterns of western and central Oklahoma fishes were analyzed, utilizing factor analytical techniques, to determine generalized patterns and their correlation with certain environmental variables. Twenty-seven drainage units of the major Arkansas and Red river tributaries were scored for the presence or absence of each of 53 species and values for 13 environmental variables. Six factor groups were obtained through oblique rotation of principal axes that were factored from the correlation matrix of the variables. These six associations were judged biologically meaningful and provide insight into the limiting factors affecting the Oklahoma fish fauna. The relative effects of historical and environmental components on current distribution groupings are discussed and some predictions are made concerning future faunal changes.