A mechanistic model for understanding invasions: using the environment as a predictor of population success

摘要: Aim: We set out to develop a temperature- and salinity-dependent mechanistic population model for copepods that can be used understand the role of environmental parameters in growth or decline. Models are an important tool understanding dynamics invasive species; our determine organism’s niche explore potential invasion new habitat. Location: Strait Georgia, British Columbia, Canada. Methods: developed birth rate estuarine copepod. conducted laboratory experiments estimate demographic over range temperatures salinities Eurytemora affinis collected from Nanaimo Estuary, Columbia (BC). The parameterized was then what conditions resulted versus re-parameterized using previously published data E. Seine France (SE) compared two populations. Results: established regions temperature-salinity space where populations BC would likely grow In general, exhibited positive higher intrinsic rates at salinities. SE with increasing temperature decreasing salinity. These different relationships predictions complex interactions among temperature, salinity, if sub-species inhabited same estuary. Main Conclusions: describes terms This may prove especially useful predicting by transported Pacific Northwest estuaries via ballast water, any system ecosystem is subject species shares characteristics (sub)species.