Effects of habitat quality and size on extinction in experimental populations.

ABSTRACT: Stochastic population theory makes clear predictions about the effects of reproductive potential and carrying capacity on characteristic time-scales of extinction. At the same time, the effects of habitat size and quality on reproduction and regulation have been hotly debated. To trace the causal relationships among these factors, we looked at the effects of habitat size and quality on extinction time in experimental populations of Daphnia magna. Replicate model systems representative of a broad-spectrum consumer foraging on a continuously supplied resource were established under crossed treatments of habitat size (two levels) and habitat quality (three levels) and monitored until eventual extinction of all populations. Using statistically derived estimates of key parameters, we related ex

SUBMITTER: Griffen BD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2603244 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature