A two-dimensional individual-based model of territorial behaviour: possible population consequences of kinship in red grouse
Authored by R Hendry, PJ Bacon, R Moss, SCF Palmer, J McGlade
Date Published: 1997
DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3800(97)00136-1
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Abstract
A two-dimensional simulation model of territory establishment and
maintenance by individual male red grouse investigated whether
differences in aggressive behaviour between kin and non-kin might cause
population cycles or other demographic instability. Two behavioural
phenotypes were envisaged. intolerant cocks were equally aggressive to
all neighbours, while kin-tolerant cocks were less aggressive to their
close kin. The model's dynamics showed that: (i) pure populations of
intolerants reached low but quite stable densities; whereas (ii) pure
populations of kin-tolerant cocks attained higher densities with larger
fluctuations; while (iii) populations of kin-tolerant cocks able to
disperse showed even wider fluctuations. Mixed populations of
intolerants and kin-tolerants co-existed at intermediate frequencies, with marked fluctuations. Thus kin-tolerant behaviour destabilised the
model, giving it the potential to bifurcate to a cycle, but cycles were
not observed. Two variants of the model altered grouse behaviour in
response to changes in density, by changing either their kin tolerance
or their number of dispersal attempts. Sensitivity tests showed these
variants often produced density cycles, with periods around 6-15 years.
We concluded that: differential aggressive behaviour between kin and
non-kin during territorial disputes can destabilise a two-dimensional
model population that has a life history similar to red grouse;
dispersal may have a big effect on the stability of such model
populations; some realistic variant models produced density cycles with
periods and amplitudes comparable to those observed in some studies of
wild red grouse. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
Tags
Dynamics
stability
Fluctuations
Lagopus-lagopus-scoticus
Host-parasite system
Trichostrongylus-tenuis
Kin