Abstract
Two hypotheses about community structure were examined for the small mammals occupying a wet grassland in SW North Dakota, USA. First, we ask whether competition occurs between members of this community. Then, an hypothesis concerning the relationship between competitive ability and habitat selection is addressed. Relative densities of Microtus pennsylvanicus, Zapus hudsonius, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus, and Peromyscus maniculatus were determined by live-trapping in July and September 1976. Species interactions and patterns of habitat occupancy were examined using regression analysis. Microtus, Zapus, and Spermophilus were each competitively dominant to Peromyscus. No competitive effects were observed among Microtus, Zapus and Spermophilus. The four species differed markedly in habitat utilization. Microtus, Zapus, and Spermophilus were each specialized on different habitats. Peromyscus was a habitat generalist and its distribution was determined primarily by competitive interactions with the other species.
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