Spatial Scaling in a Benthic Population Model with Density-Dependent Disturbance

摘要: This work investigates approaches to simplifying individual-based models in which the rate of disturbance depends on local densities. To this purpose, an model for a benthic population is developed that both spatial and stochastic. With model, three possible ways approximating dynamics mean numbers are examined: mean-field approximation ignores space completely, second-order represents variation terms variances covariances, patch-based retains information about age structure patch population. Results show important temporal relying rates provides poor numbers. It possible, however, represent relevant with moments, particularly when recruitment low and/or disturbances large weak. Even better approximations obtained by retaining information.