Abstract
A spatially explicit individual-based model (IBM) helps to explain how two reproductive strategies, described as obstinate and opportunist, may be acting at the population level. Factors such as the spatial structure and the dynamics of the environment, the shape of the reproductive function, and spawning season duration are considered. Five simulations are presented to explore the importance of these factors in the success of two reproductive strategies experiencing in a first step, a constant, and in a second step, a changing environment. Simulations show that the obstinate strategy is characterized by high inertia and mainly selects optimal environmental conditions in the long term, whereas the opportunist strategy maintains diversity in site choice and allows the individual to explore environmental variability. Under drastic environmental changes, only a population combining both strategies avoids extinction. A low percentage of opportunists (about 1%) coupled with a high proportion of obstinates (about 99%) ensure population viability. Similar percentages have been observed in nature for philopatric species. The respective percentages of inertia and innovation that are needed in the functioning of natural systems are discussed.
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