Density dependent habitat selection in response to habitat loss in a coral reef fish.

ABSTRACT: Habitat degradation alters the availability and quality of resources, with ramifications for how populations distribute across remnant patches. Decisions about habitat use are often made to optimise fitness by minimising competition for resources. Individuals can sort themselves optimally across patches by selecting habitat based on the density of resident individuals, yet it is unclear whether this mechanism is disrupted by habitat loss. Moreover, density-dependent habitat selection could create a socially reinforced 'bandwagon' effect in species that use adults as a positive settlement cue. Here, we aimed to (1) determine the effect of habitat degradation on density-dependent habitat selection and (2) test whether habitat use by adults influences settlement decisions by juveniles via a b

SUBMITTER: Bostrom-Einarsson L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12673249 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature