Abstract

Removal experiments with three species of heteromyid rodents were performed during two summers in the Great Basin of Nevada, USA. These experiments were designed to determine the importance of interference competition in these species by quantifying the short-term responses to the removal of one or more of the species. Our results indicate that the removal of a large species (Dipodomys merriami) does have a positive effect on a smaller species with a similar diet (Perognathus longimembris). These results and others presented are consistent with a hypothesis of interference competition. However, while there is short-term increase in number of rodents in response to removals, the increase is not commensurate with the number of animals removed. We conclude that interference competition was present but weak in the two summers we manipulated this community.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.