The Allee-type ideal free distribution
Language English Country Germany Media print-electronic
Document type Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- MeSH
- Ecosystem * MeSH
- Population Density * MeSH
- Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted MeSH
- Population Dynamics * MeSH
- Models, Theoretical * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
The ideal free distribution (IFD) in a two-patch environment where individual fitness is positively density dependent at low population densities is studied. The IFD is defined as an evolutionarily stable strategy of the habitat selection game. It is shown that for low and high population densities only one IFD exists, but for intermediate population densities there are up to three IFDs. Population and distributional dynamics described by the replicator dynamics are studied. It is shown that distributional stability (i.e., IFD) does not imply local stability of a population equilibrium. Thus distributional stability is not sufficient for population stability. Results of this article demonstrate that the Allee effect can strongly influence not only population dynamics, but also population distribution in space.
