Fine‐scale changes in connectivity affect the metapopulation dynamics of a bryophyte confined to ephemeral patches

摘要: Summary 1. We test how fine-scale (≤ 400 m2) connectivity to conspecifics influences metapopulation dynamics using a field experiment in central Amazonia with the epiphyllous (i.e. leaf-inhabiting) bryophyte Radula flaccida Gott. (Radulaceae). This is natural model system spatially structured ephemeral patches at leaf and phorophyte scale. 2. The aim was rates of colonization, local abundance, growth extinction bryophytes from both leaves host phorophytes were affected by experimentally manipulated variation conspecifics. We also investigated relative importance stochastic extinctions deterministic spatial scales. 3. Approximately 3500 on 70 censused six times over 15-month period utilizing repeated block design control, positive control three pulse-style reduction treatments, which varied surrounding conspecifics. 4. An increase events only accompanied colonization treatment focal neighbouring within 400 m2 plots denuded their populations, suggesting that cryptogams are subject (within phorophyte) rescue effects. Negative density-dependent detected within-leaf population dynamics, resource limitation or intraspecific competition growth. Finally, viable occurred nearly same frequency as (e.g. fall), whereas scale observed. 5. Synthesis. The demonstrates effects occur fine scales even for vagile plant taxa, such cryptogams, may inhabit isolated substrates characterized turnover fast own dynamics. Furthermore, results highlight quantifying modes, underestimating either these parameters leads optimistic projections future size.