Spatial population dynamics: Analyzing patterns and processes of population synchrony

Ottar N. Bjørnstad, Rolf A. Ims, Xavier Lambin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

617 Scopus citations

Abstract

The search for mechanisms behind spatial population synchrony is currently a major issue in population ecology. Theoretical studies highlight how synchronizing mechanisms such as dispersal, regionally correlated climatic variables and mobile enemies might interact with local dynamics to produce different patterns of spatial covariance. Specialized statistical methods, applied to large-scale survey data, aid in testing the theoretical predictions with empirical estimates. Observational studies and experiments on the demography of local populations are paramount to identify the true ecological mechanisms. The recent achievements illustrate the power of combining theory, observation and/or experimentation and statistical modeling in the ecological research protocol.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)427-432
Number of pages6
JournalTrends in Ecology and Evolution
Volume14
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 1999

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Spatial population dynamics: Analyzing patterns and processes of population synchrony'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this