Alternative stable states generated by ontogenetic niche shift in the presence of multiple resource use.

ABSTRACT: It has been suggested that when juveniles and adults use different resources or habitats, alternative stable states (ASS) may exist in systems coupled by an ontogenetic niche shift. However, mainly the simplest system, i.e., the one-consumer-two-resource system, has been studied previously, and little is known about the development of ASS existing in more complex systems. Here, I theoretically investigated the development of ASS caused by an ontogenetic niche shift in the presence of multiple resource use. I considered three independent scenarios; (i) additional resources, (ii) multiple habitats, and (iii) interstage resource sharing. The model analyses illustrate that relative balance between the total resource availability in the juvenile and adult habitats is crucial for the development

SUBMITTER: Nakazawa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3035614 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature