Spatial population dynamics: analyzing patterns and processes of population synchrony

O N Bjornstad, R A Ims, X Lambin

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature review

618 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The search for mechanisms behind spatial population synchrony is currently a major issue in population ecology. Theoretical studies highlight how synchronizing mechanisms such as dispersal, regionally correlated climatic variables and mobile enemies might interact with local dynamics to produce different patterns of spatial covariance. Specialized statistical methods, applied to large-scale survey data, aid in testing the theoretical predictions with empirical estimates. Observational studies and experiments on the demography of local populations are paramount to identify the true ecological mechanisms. The recent achievements illustrate the power of combining theory, observation and/or experimentation and statistical modeling in the ecological research protocol.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)427-432
Number of pages6
JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution
Volume14
Publication statusPublished - 1999

Keywords

  • CYCLES
  • PREY
  • FLUCTUATIONS
  • PERSISTENCE
  • EXTINCTION
  • ASYNCHRONY
  • PREDATORS
  • SCALES
  • NOISE
  • MODEL

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