Dispersal asymmetry in a two-patch system with source–sink populations

Theoretical Population Biology
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

This paper analyzes source–sink systems with asymmetric dispersal between two patches. Complete analysis on the models demonstrates a mechanism by which the dispersal asymmetry can lead to either an increased total size of the species population in two patches, a decreased total size with persistence in the patches, or even extinction in both patches. For a large growth rate of the species in the source and a fixed dispersal intensity, (i) if the asymmetry is small, the population would persist in both patches and reach a density higher than that without dispersal, in which the population approaches its maximal density at an appropriate asymmetry; (ii) if the asymmetry is intermediate, the population persists in both patches but reaches a density less than that without dispersal; (iii) if the asymmetry is large, the population goes to extinction in both patches; (iv) asymmetric dispersal is more favorable than symmetric dispersal under certain conditions. For a fixed asymmetry, similar phenomena occur when the dispersal intensity varies, while a thorough analysis is given for the low growth rate of the species in the source. Implications for populations in heterogeneous landscapes are discussed, and numerical simulations confirm and extend our results.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Dispersal asymmetry in a two-patch system with source–sink populations
Series title Theoretical Population Biology
DOI 10.1016/j.tpb.2019.11.004
Volume 131
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 12 p.
First page 54
Last page 65
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details