Spatio-temporal dynamics in adaptive multispecies competitive communities
Date
2018-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An ecosystem is made up of a diverse range of species interacting with each other to form
complex networks though suggested being unstable contrary to the naturally observed
multispecies coexistence. To solve this paradox, species interaction switching and spatial
flows have been postulated as among the factors shaping community structures and stability.
Historically, these studies have considered only simple community models focussing
on specific forms of interaction switching with little attention to the comparison of the
different switching criteria. Using May’s ideology of applying random matrices theory, I
attempt to understand the effect of community complexity in the presence of adaptation
and species spatial flows in competitive ecosystems. Here, I use a modified Lotka-Volterra
model in which species adaptively switch their interaction partner by either elimination
of the unfit or survival of the fittest switching interchangeably in single communities and
metacommunities. I showed that adaptive switching improves community productivity,
nestedness, resilience, and diversity with increased complexity having a negative relation
to productivity, resilience, and competitiveness. Species spatial movement further
enhances stability and productivity. I argue that adaptive switching is an essential element
of understanding the maintenance of community diversity in the presence of community
complexity.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2018.
Keywords
Population biology -- Mathematical models, Competition (Biology), Random matrices, Adaptation (Biology) -- Mathematical models, Lotka-Volterra competition model, UCTD