Buffering and plasticity in vital rates of oldfield rodents.

摘要: 1. Under the hypothesis of environmental buffering, populations are expected to minimize variance most influential vital rates; however, this may not be a universal principle. Species with life span <1 year less likely exhibit buffering because temporal or seasonal variability in rate sensitivities. Further, plasticity rates adaptive for species variable environment reliable cues. 2. We tested and using stage-structured matrix models from long-term data sets four grassland rodents. used periodic matrices estimate stochastic elasticity each then correlations standardized coefficient variation rate. 3. calculated elasticities individual months test an association between increased reproduction influence reproduction, relative survival, on population growth 4. All showed some evidence buffering. The Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque, 1818), Sigmodon hispidus Say & Ord, 1825 Microtus ochrogaster (Wagner, 1842) was negatively related CV. Elasticity CV were maniculatus 1845), but relationship statistically significant. M. higher following where exceeded that survival. 5. Our results suggest is common fast histories; capable responding short-term conditions through reproductive plasticity.