A "zone" for the Keys

[Ed Reinertsen]

Good Day all

I hoping to find help in understanding better the events and time that 
created a "Zone" between the Northern and Southern Florida Keys. Below are 
some quotes, etc. I have read to help you understand what information I'm 
looking for.

1) "To one unfamiliar with field conditions in Florida, the very marked 
faunal differences between the southern keys and those extending norteast to 
the nearest portions of the peninsula itself, are almost as striking as they 
are unexpected. These southernmost islands are very different in character 
from those of the chain running northeast from Big Pine, including Boot Key, 
Grassy Key, Metacumbe Key, and the extended Key Largo. The last, at its 
northern end approaches the mainland of the peninsula but is well separated 
from it by a deep channel through which flows a swift current. These 
northern keys in all probabability have a somewhat different geologic 
history and origin from the more southern or "lower" keys. The difference in 
the character of the two groups and their possibly independent connection 
with the mainland is sufficient to account for the considerable difference 
in their flora and fauna."

2) "Many view the Matecumbe Key as a dividing point for many butterflies 
which have populations occurring in both the upper and lower Keys"

3) Scott (1972) determined that the butterfly fauna of Cuba is more similar 
to the Florida Keys (73% resemblance) than it is to the fauna of the entire 
southern region of Florida (49% faunal resemblance)

Thank you for your help!!!!!!!
Ed Reinertsen 


 
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