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Asymmetric competition and floater dynamics
Erik G Noonburg1, Rindy C Anderson1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 3200 College Avenue, Davie, Florida, 33314, USA.
Ecology
|October 31, 2020
Summary
Selection for competitiveness can eliminate nonterritorial floaters in species, but floater production persists when competition is localized or contests are random. This impacts population dynamics and trait variation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Nonterritorial floaters can be crucial for population dynamics in territorial species.
- Existing models assume equal competitive ability and universal access to territories, potentially oversimplifying floater dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of relaxing assumptions of equal competitive ability and universal territory access on floater production.
- To explore how asymmetric competition and spatial constraints influence the maintenance of floaters and trait variation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a model of asymmetric competition incorporating a trade-off between competitiveness and reproductive success.
- Assessed the effects of varying competitive abilities and neighborhood constraints on floater dynamics.
- Analyzed model predictions for trait variation and its relationship with competitor distribution.
Main Results:
- Selection for increased competitiveness generally eliminates floater production, unless territorial contests are highly stochastic.
- Floater production is predicted when individuals face strong constraints on competing within a local neighborhood.
- The model generates novel predictions on maintaining trait variation and its link to competitor distribution in unequal territories.
Conclusions:
- Relaxing assumptions of equal competition and universal access reveals complex dynamics for floater populations.
- Spatial structure in competition is a key factor promoting the existence of floaters.
- The model provides a framework for understanding trait variation and its ecological consequences in territorial species.
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