The Geographic Dispersal
of the Genus Liguus

A discussion of the dispersal and distribution of Liguus
populations in South Florida and Cuba.

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Introduction

A Snapshot in Time
The earth's geologic timeline is approximately 3 to 4 billion years, however the time of
interest for this discussion is from the present back to approximately 20,000 years. This
period of earth's history is labeled as the Holocene by geologists. A tiny snapshot of time
but a time of major sea level changes and land buildup in the South Florida area.

The Past; end of the Pleistocene to the Holocene
During this period of time most of the South Florida area was covered by a warm
shallow sea and reefs were building up on the Miami and Key Largo Limestone base.
Several sea level changes took place with a constant rise to present level beginning
about 15,000 years ago.

The Present
The reef bulilding of the past resulted in the present Florida Keys and the base
depositions in the buildup of the south Florida area.

Origins

Present Distribution

Dispersal Mechanisms

Founding Events

Facts

Theory

Conclusion or another long argument?

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