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Heteromyopia and the spatial coexistence of similar competitors
Article first published online: 13 DEC 2002
DOI: 10.1046/j.1461-0248.2003.00397.x
1461-0248/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=e313f39a0d6209f7d805ea0ca3942ff5a49304ad "Ecology Letters")
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How to Cite
Murrell, D. J. and Law, R. (2003), Heteromyopia and the spatial coexistence of similar competitors. Ecology Letters, 6: 48–59. doi: 10.1046/j.1461-0248.2003.00397.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 13 DEC 2002
- Article first published online: 13 DEC 2002
- Manuscript received 5 August 2002, First decision made 16 September 2002, Manuscript accepted 4 October 2002
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Keywords:
- Coexistence;
- competition;
- dispersal distance;
- interaction distance;
- Lotka–Volterra;
- moment dynamics;
- spatial structure
Abstract
Most spatial models of competing species assume symmetries in the spatial scales of dispersal and interactions. This makes analysis tractable, and has led to the conclusion that segregation of species in space does not promote coexistence. However, these symmetries leave parts of the parameter space uninvestigated. Using a moment-approximation method, we present a spatial version of the Lotka–Volterra competition equations to investigate effects of removing symmetries in the distances over which individuals disperse and interact. Some spatial segregation of the species always comes about due to competition, and such segregation does not necessarily lead to coexistence. But, if interspecific competition occurs over shorter distances than intraspecific competition (heteromyopia), spatial segregation becomes strong enough to promote coexistence. Such coexistence is most likely when the species have similar dynamics, in contrast to the competition–colonization trade-off that requires large competitive differences between species.