Patterns of dispersal and dynamics among habitat patches varying in quality

摘要: Both source-sink theory and extensions of optimal foraging ("balanced dispersal" theory) address dispersal population dynamics in landscapes where habitat patches vary quality. However, studying mechanisms empirically has proven difficult, is rarely tied back to long-term spatial dynamics. We used a manipulable laboratory system consisting bacteria protozoa investigate the ability theories explain both emergent Consistent with models contrary balanced models, there was consistent net flux protist individuals from high low resource patches. unlike simplest intermediate rates led highest abundances Side experiments found strong density dependence local differences average body size Parameterization analysis two-patch model showed that migration could have depressed patches, creating pseudosinks. The movement biomass sources sinks (a form ecosystem subsidy) resulted convergence densities sinks. Our results indicate need carefully consider patterns interaction potential systems.