A Possible Course of Evolution of Animal Drinking Holes (Pans) And Reflected Changes In Their Biology

Abstract

General conditions in a number of water holes (pans) in Wankie National Park, Southern Rhodesia, are described, It is postulated that these pans present an evolutionary sequence which can be traced by changes in physical structure, in pH and alkalinity of the water, and in faunal composition. Their origin is attributable largely to zoogenous erosion by large mammals, and their further evolution may be critically affected by these animals.