Competition during colonization vs competition after colonization in disturbed environments: A metapopulation approach

Abstract

How two species interact during and after colonization influences which of them will be present in each stage of succession. In the tolerance model of ecological succession in a patchy environment, empty patches can be colonized by any species, but the ability to tolerate reduced resource levels determines which species will exclude the other. Here, we analyze a meta-population model of the possible roles of competition in colonization and succession, using non-linear Markov chains as a mathematical framework. Different kinds of competition affect the final equilibrial abundances of the species involved in qualitatively different ways. An explicit criterion is given to determine which interactions have stronger effects on the final equilibrial levels of the weaker species. Precise conditions are stated for the co-existence of both species. Both species are more likely to co-exist in the presence of an intermediate disturbance frequency.