Evol Ecol Res 8: 529-541 (2006)     Full PDF if your library subscribes.

Patchy disturbance favours longer dispersal distance

A.S. Kallimanis,1* W.E. Kunin,2 J.M. Halley1 and S.P. Sgardelis1

1Department of Ecology, UPB 119, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece and 2School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

Author to whom all correspondence should be addressed.
e-mail: kalliman@bio.auth.gr

ABSTRACT

Question: How does the spatial pattern of habitat disturbance and availability affect the selection of dispersal distance?

Modelling approach: We use an individual-based simulation model. By looking at the outcome of competition between individuals using different dispersal distances, the model simulates the selection of dispersal distance. Both habitat and disturbance are spatially structured and can range from a purely random pattern, through a fractal to complete aggregation (a solid block).

Conclusions: The disturbance regime affects the selection of dispersal distance more strongly than landscape pattern does. Spatial aggregation of disturbance favours the selection of longer dispersal distances. Lower habitat availability favours shorter dispersal distances. When disturbance is not highly autocorrelated, aggregation of suitable habitat favours shorter dispersal distances.

Keywords: fractals, population model, simulations, spatial autocorrelation.

DOWNLOAD A FREE, FULL PDF COPY
IF you are connected using the IP of a subscribing institution (library, laboratory, etc.)
or through its VPN.

 

        © 2006 A.S. Kallimanis. All EER articles are copyrighted by their authors. All authors endorse, permit and license Evolutionary Ecology Ltd. to grant its subscribing institutions/libraries the copying privileges specified below without additional consideration or payment to them or to Evolutionary Ecology, Ltd. These endorsements, in writing, are on file in the office of Evolutionary Ecology, Ltd. Consult authors for permission to use any portion of their work in derivative works, compilations or to distribute their work in any commercial manner.

       Subscribing institutions/libraries may grant individuals the privilege of making a single copy of an EER article for non-commercial educational or non-commercial research purposes. Subscribing institutions/libraries may also use articles for non-commercial educational purposes by making any number of copies for course packs or course reserve collections. Subscribing institutions/libraries may also loan single copies of articles to non-commercial libraries for educational purposes.

       All copies of abstracts and articles must preserve their copyright notice without modification.