Scaling the extinction vortex: Body size as a predictor of population dynamics close to extinction events.

ABSTRACT: Mutual reinforcement between abiotic and biotic factors can drive small populations into a catastrophic downward spiral to extinction-a process known as the "extinction vortex." However, empirical studies investigating extinction dynamics in relation to species' traits have been lacking.We assembled a database of 35 vertebrate populations monitored to extirpation over a period of at least ten years, represented by 32 different species, including 25 birds, five mammals, and two reptiles. We supplemented these population time series with species-specific mean adult body size to investigate whether this key intrinsic trait affects the dynamics of populations declining toward extinction.We performed three analyses to quantify the effects of adult body size on three characteristics of populatio

SUBMITTER: Williams NF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8207159 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature