A simultaneous test of synchrony causal factors in muskrat and mink fur returns at different scales across Canada.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Synchrony among populations has been attributed to three major hypotheses: dispersal, the Moran effect, and trophic-level interactions. Unfortunately, simultaneous testing of these hypotheses demands complete and detailed data, which are scarce for ecological systems.

Methodology/principal findings

Hudson's Bay Company data on mink and muskrat fur returns in Canada represent an excellent opportunity to test these hypotheses because of the detailed spatial and temporal data from this predator-prey system. Using structural equation modelling, support for each hypothesis was evaluated at two spatial scales: across Canada and dividing the country into three regions longitudinally. Our results showed that at both scales mink synchrony is a major factor determining musk

SUBMITTER: Estay SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3213188 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature