You visit an area that is extensively covered by this community and are impresse

Question

You visit an area that is extensively covered by this community and are impressed. One of the species exhibits classic metapopulation dynamics. Discuss (fully define) metapopulation dynamics, and, using the data from the previous questions, predict which species this is and why? Define what source-sink dynamics is. Would the same species that shows metapopulations dynamics also be the most likely to show source-sink dynamics? Discuss. If you think it’s the same species, explain why; if you think it’s another species, defend that choice.

Explanation / Answer

The term metapopulation was coined by Richard Levins in 1969. In his own words it consists of a population of populations. Generally speaking, it could be defined as a group of spatially separated populations of the same species which interact with each other at some level. Since there is no previous question this part can't be answered.

Source–sink dynamics is a theoretical model used by ecologists to describe how variation in habitat quality may affect the population growth. Since species are spread over an area, this means that particular area is conducive for their growth. Even if some patches of population become extinct, the success of that metapopulation depends on the ability to re-colonize. Even if sink patches of populations perish, the source patches must be able to re-colonize that area. Souce-sink dynamics may also determine co-exixtence if one species that acts as a source may act as a sink for another species.

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