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Ecological dynamics and large scale phenotypic differentiation in density-dependent populations

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  • Engen, Steinar
  • Sæther, Bernt-Erik

Abstract

Spatial differentiation of phenotypes is assumed to be determined by a combination of fluctuating selection producing adaptations to the local environment and a homogenizing effect of migration. We present a model with density regulation and a density-dependent fitness function affected by spatio-temporal variability in population size driven by spatially correlated fluctuations in the environment causing fluctuating r- and K-selection on a set of traits. We derive the variance in local mean phenotypes and show how the spatial scales of the correlations between the components of the mean phenotype depend on ecological parameters. The degree of spatial differentiation of phenotypes is strongly influenced by parameters affecting ecological dynamics. In the case of a one-dimensional character the geographical scale of variation in the mean phenotype has simply an additive term corresponding to the Moran effect in population dynamics as well as a term determined by dispersal and strength of local selection. The degree of phenotypic differentiation increases with decreasing strength of local density dependence and decreasing strength of local selection. These results imply that the form of the spatial autocorrelation function can reveal important information about ecological and evolutionary processes causing phenotypic differentiation in space.

Suggested Citation

  • Engen, Steinar & Sæther, Bernt-Erik, 2019. "Ecological dynamics and large scale phenotypic differentiation in density-dependent populations," Theoretical Population Biology, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 133-143.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:thpobi:v:127:y:2019:i:c:p:133-143
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2019.04.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stepfanie M Aguillon & John W Fitzpatrick & Reed Bowman & Stephan J Schoech & Andrew G Clark & Graham Coop & Nancy Chen, 2017. "Deconstructing isolation-by-distance: The genomic consequences of limited dispersal," PLOS Genetics, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(8), pages 1-27, August.
    2. Bernt-Erik Sæther & Vidar Grøtan & Steinar Engen & Tim Coulson & Peter R. Grant & Marcel E. Visser & Jon E. Brommer & B. Rosemary Grant & Lars Gustafsson & Ben J. Hatchwell & Kurt Jerstad & Patrik Kar, 2016. "Demographic routes to variability and regulation in bird populations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, November.
    3. Engen, Steinar, 2017. "Spatial synchrony and harvesting in fluctuating populations:Relaxing the small noise assumption," Theoretical Population Biology, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 18-26.
    4. Engen, Steinar & Sæther, Bernt-Erik, 2016. "Phenotypic evolution by distance in fluctuating environments: The contribution of dispersal, selection and random genetic drift," Theoretical Population Biology, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 16-27.
    5. Bernt-Erik Sæther & Russell Lande & Steinar Engen & Henri Weimerskirch & Magnar Lillegård & Res Altwegg & Peter H. Becker & Thomas Bregnballe & Jon E. Brommer & Robin H. McCleery & Juha Merilä & Erik , 2005. "Generation time and temporal scaling of bird population dynamics," Nature, Nature, vol. 436(7047), pages 99-102, July.
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