Negative density-distribution relationship in butterflies

: Paivinen J, Grapputo A, Kaitala V, Komonen A, Kotiaho JS, Saarinen K, Wahlberg N

Publisher: BIOMED CENTRAL LTD

: 2005

BMC Biology

BMC BIOLOGY

: BMC BIOL

: 3

: 13

: 1741-7007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7007-3-5

Conclusion: We suggest that one important determinant of density-distribution relationships is the geographical location of the study: on the edge of a distribution range, suitable habitat patches are likely to be more isolated than in the core of the range. In such a situation, only the largest and best quality patches are likely to be occupied, and these by definition can support a relatively dense population leading to a negative density-distribution relationship. Finally, we conclude that generalizations about the positive density-distribution relationship should be made more cautiously.

Ecology, evolutionary biology