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Population cycles in small rodents.

C J Krebs, M S Gaines, B L Keller

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |January 5, 1973
    PubMed
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    Dispersal is critical for regulating Microtus vole populations. Preventing dispersal leads to unnaturally high densities and population explosions, suggesting genetic and behavioral factors influence population cycles.

    Area of Science:

    • Ecology
    • Population Dynamics
    • Behavioral Ecology

    Background:

    • Microtus vole populations exhibit cyclical fluctuations.
    • Understanding the mechanisms driving these population cycles is crucial for ecological studies.
    • Previous hypotheses often focused on social stress or resource limitation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of dispersal in regulating Microtus population dynamics.
    • To test the hypothesis that dispersal, not social stress, is the primary driver of population regulation.
    • To examine the relationship between dispersal, population density, and genetic/behavioral traits.

    Main Methods:

    • Enclosure experiments were conducted on Microtus populations in southern Indiana.
    • Populations were fenced to prevent dispersal, allowing for observation of birth and death rates.

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  • Comparison of enclosed populations with natural populations to assess the impact of restricted dispersal.

    • Main Results:

    • Enclosed populations failed to regulate and reached abnormally high densities, resembling 'mouse plagues'.
    • Dispersal occurred primarily during the population increase phase, not in direct relation to density.
    • Evidence suggests dispersing voles are 'r strategists' with high reproductive potential, while remaining voles are 'K strategists'.

    Conclusions:

    • Dispersal is a critical factor in the natural population regulation of Microtus voles.
    • The prevention of dispersal disrupts the natural cycle, leading to population explosions.
    • Genetic and behavioral traits of dispersing individuals significantly influence population dynamics and cycles.