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Population spatial synchrony enhanced by periodicity and low detuning with environmental forcing
Kyle J Haynes1,2, Jonathan A Walter2, Andrew M Liebhold3,4
11 The Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia , Boyce, VA , USA.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|May 30, 2019
Summary
Population cycling and low detuning promote spatial synchrony in populations. This study provides new methods and evidence for understanding correlated fluctuations in spatially separated populations.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Population Dynamics
- Spatial Ecology
Background:
- Understanding temporal correlations in spatially disjunct populations is a key ecological challenge.
- Existing hypotheses on population synchronization lack empirical testing in wild populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test hypotheses that population cycling and external forces influence spatial synchrony.
- To investigate the role of timescale mismatch (detuning) in population synchronization.
Main Methods:
- Application of novel analytical techniques to field survey data of gypsy moth outbreaks.
- Analysis of population periodicity, phase locking, and external environmental factors (temperature, precipitation).
Main Results:
- Spatial synchrony increased with population periodicity through phase locking at outbreak timescales.
- Environmental synchrony's influence on population synchrony was linked to timescale detuning.
- Gypsy moth outbreaks demonstrated these ecological principles.
Conclusions:
- Population cycling and low detuning are significant drivers of spatial population synchrony.
- This research offers new empirical evidence and analytical approaches for population ecology.
- Findings advance the understanding of factors governing correlated population fluctuations.
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