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The interaction between spatial heterogeneity and genetic feedback in laboratory predator-prey systems
J Daniel Udovic1,2, David Pimentel1,2, Donald Nafus1,2
1Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Spatial heterogeneity and genetic feedback in prey populations significantly enhance predator-prey system stability. This interaction, particularly with polymorphic prey, prevents predator extinction and promotes regulation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Population Dynamics
Background:
- Predator-prey systems are crucial for ecosystem stability.
- Factors like spatial heterogeneity, genetic feedback, and predator foraging behavior influence these dynamics.
- Understanding these interactions is key to predicting population regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of spatial heterogeneity, genetic feedback, and predator foraging behavior on predator-prey system stability.
- To determine how these factors interact to influence the persistence and regulation of interacting populations.
- To test the hypothesis that spatial heterogeneity can enhance genetic feedback mechanisms in predator-prey regulation.
Main Methods:
- A hybrid experimental design combining laboratory populations (houseflies as predators) and computer simulation.
- Prey (chemical solutions) were managed via computer, controlling reproduction and dispersal.
- Predator foraging behavior was modeled to influence prey genotype fitness within different environmental treatments (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous, monomorphic vs. polymorphic prey).
Main Results:
- A polymorphic prey population in a heterogeneous environment, exhibiting an interaction between spatial heterogeneity and genetic feedback, demonstrated the highest system stability.
- Spatial heterogeneity alone was insufficient to counteract destabilizing predator foraging without genetic feedback.
- Genetic feedback alone was insufficient to overcome destabilizing preferential predator feeding without spatial heterogeneity.
- Prey evolved resistance, leading to predator extinction in some scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between spatial heterogeneity and genetic feedback is critical for stabilizing predator-prey systems.
- Spatial heterogeneity can alter predator foraging strategies, increasing the likelihood of regulation through genetic feedback.
- Predator foraging behavior, especially preferential feeding on susceptible prey, can destabilize systems, but spatial heterogeneity may mitigate this effect.
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