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Using individual-based simulations to test the Levins metapopulation paradigm
Article first published online: 19 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2656.2002.00594.x
1365-2656/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=e1c445961d632cd41e33852af907c4900097559b "Journal of Animal Ecology")
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How to Cite
Keeling, M. J. (2002), Using individual-based simulations to test the Levins metapopulation paradigm. Journal of Animal Ecology, 71: 270–279. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2656.2002.00594.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 19 APR 2002
- Article first published online: 19 APR 2002
- Received 19 March 2001; accepted 13 November 2001
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Keywords:
- Levins metapopulations;
- local population dynamics;
- multi-trophic models;
- stochastic simulations
Summary
- 1Levins metapopulations have become a standard tool for modelling spatially heterogeneous populations. The acceptance of these models by ecologists may be attributed to their simple structure and their use of presence–absence data.
- 2Using structured-metapopulations, which possess stochastic dynamics at the local subpopulation level, the extinction and subsequent recolonization rates can be calculated and compared to those of the classical Levins model.
- 3Single-species metapopulations conform to the Levins ideal, validating the widespread use of this conceptual model. However, multispecies systems are shown to deviate in a consistent manner. This deviation, which is explained in terms of a correlation between patch occupancy and average population levels of the species, can be used to identify the signature of enemy–victim interactions.