(2010) Metapopulations and Population Dynamics

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What is the primary mechanism that can lead to patchy species distributions according to the text?

Biotic constraints

Evolutionary history and biogeographic 'accidents' (correct)

Abiotic constraints

Disturbance

How does dispersal limitation affect the dynamics of biological invasions according to the text?

It has no effect on invasion dynamics

It only affects the dynamics of communities over shorter distances and time scales

It can affect the timing of invasion or range expansion (correct)

It can cause species to have patchy distributions

In the plant experiment described, what was the role of the cages?

To add seeds of different species to the sites

To exclude seed predators like mice (correct)

To manipulate the abiotic environment

To control competition following germination

What does the text suggest about the role of disturbance in causing patchy species distributions?

Disturbance can prevent species from surviving and persisting in an area Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest biotic constraints can lead to patchy species distributions?

Biotic constraints cause species to be rare and have limited distributions Signup and view all the answers

What is the key factor that determines whether a species can colonize a new patch according to the plant experiment?

The level of competition following germination Signup and view all the answers

What is a sink population?

A population where immigration is greater than emigration Signup and view all the answers

What is a source population?

A population that is stable and growing Signup and view all the answers

In the context of metapopulations, what determines the probability of a previously empty patch being colonized?

The size and isolation of the patch Signup and view all the answers

What is a metapopulation?

A population consisting of multiple subpopulations connected by dispersal Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between dispersal and spatial patterns in populations?

Dispersal can give rise to spatial patterns, and spatial patterns can be used to infer dispersal processes Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine the occurrence and abundance of a population at a given location?

Dispersal limitation, abiotic constraints, biotic interactions, and history Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a closed population and a metapopulation in terms of population dynamics?

Closed populations have no dispersal between them, while metapopulations have dispersal between populations. Signup and view all the answers

How can dispersal 'rescue' a local population in a metapopulation?

Dispersal can allow a local population with $\lambda < 1$ to persist by importing individuals from other populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the equation that describes the population dynamics in a metapopulation, taking into account dispersal?

$N(t+1) = s + f(N(t)) + I(t) - mN(t)$ Signup and view all the answers

In a metapopulation, what is the difference between a 'source' population and a 'sink' population?

A source population exports more individuals than it receives, while a sink population imports more individuals than it exports. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between patch occupancy and colonization probability in a metapopulation?

Patch occupancy increases as colonization probability increases. Signup and view all the answers

How does dispersal affect the population dynamics in a metapopulation compared to a closed population?

Dispersal can either increase or decrease the population size in a metapopulation compared to a closed population, depending on the dispersal rate. Signup and view all the answers