Concurrent density dependence and independence in populations of arctic ground squirrels

Tim J. Karels and Rudy Boonstra ()
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Tim J. Karels: University of Toronto at Scarborough
Rudy Boonstra: University of Toronto at Scarborough

Nature, 2000, vol. 408, issue 6811, 460-463

Abstract: Abstract No population increases without limit. The processes that prevent this can operate in either a density-dependent way (acting with increasing severity to increase mortality rates or decrease reproductive rates as density increases), a density-independent way, or in both ways simultaneously1,2,3. However, ecologists disagree for two main reasons about the relative roles and influences that density-dependent and density-independent processes have in determining population size4,5. First, empirical studies showing both processes operating simultaneously are rare6. Second, time-series analyses of long-term census data sometimes overestimate dependence7,8. By using a density-perturbation experiment9,10,11,12 on arctic ground squirrels, we show concurrent density-dependent and density-independent declines in weaning rates, followed by density-dependent declines in overwinter survival during hibernation. These two processes result in strong, density-dependent convergence of experimentally increased populations to those of control populations that had been at low, stable levels.

Date: 2000
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:nature:v:408:y:2000:i:6811:d:10.1038_35044064

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DOI: 10.1038/35044064

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