Alternative stable states and regional community structure

Many models of local species interactions predict the occurrence of priority effects due to alternative stable equilibria (ASE). However, few empirical examples of ASE have been shown. One possible explanation for the disparity is that local ASE are difficult to maintain regionally in patch dynamic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of theoretical biology 2004-04, Vol.227 (3), p.359-368
Main Authors: Shurin, Jonathan B., Amarasekare, Priyanga, Chase, Jonathan M., Holt, Robert D., Hoopes, Martha F., Leibold, Mathew A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Competition
Dispersal
Ecology
Food Chain
Local vs. regional control
Metapopulation
Models, Biological
Population Dynamics
Pre-emption
Priority effects
Residence Characteristics
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Summary:Many models of local species interactions predict the occurrence of priority effects due to alternative stable equilibria (ASE). However, few empirical examples of ASE have been shown. One possible explanation for the disparity is that local ASE are difficult to maintain regionally in patch dynamic models. Here we examine two possible mechanisms for regional coexistence of species engaged in local ASE. Biotically generated heterogeneity (e.g., habitat modification that favors further invasion by conspecifics) results in regional exclusion of one species at equilibrium. In contrast, abiotic heterogeneity due to spatial variation in resource supply ratios generates local-scale ASE and ensures regional coexistence with sufficiently broad environmental gradients. Abiotic heterogeneity can result in a species that is the dominant competitor over some of its range being excluded if the area where it is dominant is too small. Biotic heterogeneity can lead to alternative stable landscapes or regional priority effects, while abiotic heterogeneity results in regional determinism. Broad environmental gradients in resource supply favor regional coexistence of species that exhibit local ASE.
ISSN:0022-5193
1095-8541
DOI:10.1016/j.jtbi.2003.11.013