A predictive model and a field study on heterogeneous slug distribution in arable fields arising from density dependent movement.

ABSTRACT: Factors and processes determining heterogeneous ('patchy') population distributions in natural environments have long been a major focus in ecology. Existing theoretical approaches proved to be successful in explaining vegetation patterns. In the case of animal populations, existing theories are at most conceptual: they may suggest a qualitative explanation but largely fail to explain patchiness quantitatively. We aim to bridge this knowledge gap. We present a new mechanism of self-organized formation of a patchy spatial population distribution. A factor that was under-appreciated by pattern formation theories is animal sociability, which may result in density dependent movement behaviour. Our approach was inspired by a recent project on movement and distribution of slugs in arable fields.

SUBMITTER: Petrovskii S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8831509 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature