Population Ecology of Desert Rodent Communities: Habitats and Environmental Complexity

摘要: We investigated the relative densities of granivorous, nocturnal desert rodents in small plots within two arid regions Arizona to study how sympatric species avoid competitive extinction. The most common were kangaroo rats, Dipodomys spp., and pocket mice, Perognathus spp. attempted correlating density each with several environmental measurements, derived from soil's i) depth; ii) texture or iii) resistance sheer stress; plant's diversity; growth forms foliage density. Successful variables plant form stress also seemed important for a few species. In general, rats associated sparseness vegetation; mice denseness. One group which we term bush require bushes included three Peromyscus probably harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys fulvescens). Two other taken grassy habitats. Some suitable habitats tended be complementary others, suggesting that them are competitors. Comparisons distribution D. merriami, present both but under different biotic circumstances, reinforces opinion competition is responsible complementariness some cases evidence suggests coexistence accounted by fact specializations needed escape predation environments. use correlate various construct model habitat complexity. rodent diversities obtained our can approximately this model. based on premises collectively discriminate four qualities soil surface, heights vegetation. appear important.