Aggregation and the population dynamics of parasitoids and predators

H. C.J. Godfray, S. W. Pacala

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aggregation by parasitoids and predators has long been considered an important factor helping to stabilize host-parasitoid and predator-prey interactions. This consensus has been challenged by Murdoch and Stewart-Oaten (1989: see 90L/06215), who conclude, from an analyzis of a model formulated in a novel way, that aggregation independent of host density has no effect on stability, whereas aggregation to host or prey patches of high density is normally destabilizing. It is argued here that part of the discrepancy in conclusions results from the use of different concepts of aggregation: behavioral versus statistical. Also, unrealistic assumptions have to be made to derive the model. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-40
Number of pages11
JournalAmerican Naturalist
Volume140
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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