Effects of habitat heterogeneity and dispersal strategies on population persistence in annual plants

Abstract

Using an integro-difference equation model of population growth and dispersal, the incorporation of habitat heterogeneity is formulated using the 'habitat quality function'. Using a number of habitat quality functions and dispersal functions, the minimum amount of habitat quality required for population persistence (critical habitat size) is calculated. Results are used to show which types of habitat heterogeneity give populations the best chance of persistence and what effects the choice of dispersal function has.