Population oscillations of boreal rodents: regulation by mustelid predators leads to chaos

Article Abstract:

Nonlinear analysis of empirical data and a predator-prey model with seasonality both indicate that rodent population oscillations in Fennoscandia are chaotic and due to delayed density dependence as a result of specialist predators. The study also suggests that the field vole Microtus agrestis and the least weasel Mustela nivalis are crucial to maintaining regular population oscillations among small mammals, due to shared predators.

Author: Hanski, Ilkka, Turchin, Peter, Korpimaki, Erkki, Henttonen, Heikki
Models, Predation (Biology), Chaos theory, Chaotic systems

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Chaos in a long-term experiment with a plankton community

Article Abstract:

The article discusses the experimental presentation of the chaos that occurs in a long-term experiment with a complex food web or a plankton community. The findings prove that stability should not necessarily be present for the survival of such complex food webs and the long-term prediction of species abundances is not possible.

Author: Ellner, Stephen P., Scheffer, Marten, Huisman, Jef, Beninca, Elisa, Heerkloss, Reinhard, Johnk, Klaus D., Branco, Pedro, Van Nes, Egbert H.
Science & research, Environmental aspects, Competition (Biology), Plankton populations, Population ecology

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Habitat structure and population persistence in an experimental community

Article Abstract:

Research describing a model of spatial population dynamics is presented. In particular the effects of habitat structure on herbivorous and predatory mites on bean plants are investigated.

Author: Janssen, Arne, Sabelis, Maurice W., Turchin, Peter, Ellner, Stephen P., McCauley, Edward, Kendall, Bruce E., Briggs, Cheryl J., Hosseini, Parveiz R., Wood, Simon N., Nisbet, Roger M.
Habitat (Ecology), Habitats, Animal populations

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Subjects list: Research
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