2009/08/19 by Leah R. Johnson, Johnson, Leah R.
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Evolution and Genetic Dynamics #Animal Behavior and Reproduction #Genetic diversity and population structure
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0908.2778
Linyphiid spiders have evolved the ability to disperse long distances by a\nprocess known as ballooning. It has been hypothesized that ballooning may allow\npopulations to persist in the highly disturbed agricultural areas that the\nspiders prefer. In this study, I develop a stochastic population model to\nexplore how the propensity for this type of long distance dispersal influences\nlong term population persistence in a heterogeneous landscape where\ncatastrophic mortality events are common. Analysis of this model indicates that\nalthough some dispersal does indeed decrease the probability of extinction of\nthe population, the frequency of dispersal is only important in certain\nextremes. Instead, both the mean population birth and death rates, and the\nlandscape composition, are much more important in determining the probability\nof extinction than the dispersal process. Thus, in order to develop effective\nconservation strategies for these spiders, better understanding of life history\nprocesses should be prioritized over an understanding of dispersal strategies.\n