Sequences of patch disturbance in a spatial eco-evolutionary model

摘要

An eco-evolutionary food web model assembles two heterogeneous meta-communities on a 6 & times; 6 spatial network, which are subjected to a series of patch disturbances that either kill or evict the local population. If patch destruction is permanent, displacement of affected populations is as severe as eliminating them. If re-colonisation of cleared patches is permitted, the meta-community can endure repeated displacement indefinitely but with limited biodiversity. Whether repeated elimination of local populations can be endured depends on the rules governing migration. In meta-communities composed of rare, low-range species, displacing the inhabitants of low-diversity individual patches can be more damaging to global biodiversity than eliminating them, demonstrating the destructive potential of small invasions and the need for careful efforts when relocating endangered populations.(c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.