Testing Reaction-Diffusion Theory: Spatial Dynamics in a Bark Beetle-Predator System

9509237为了理解和模拟空间模式的形成，图尔钦反应扩散理论被应用于生物学的几个分支。目前，生态学家对空间异质性的重要性有广泛的认识，并从理论上认为，反应扩散理论提供了一种产生这种斑块的共同机制。然而，这一理论解释还没有得到实证检验。反应扩散理论将在由南方松甲(SPB)、受到SPB攻击的松树和SPB捕食者组成的生态系统中进行测试。这一系统的特点是SPB攻击的模式非常零散；在一些被称为SPB点的地区，所有的树都被杀死，而在外面的点很少有树被杀。反应扩散理论认为，SPB攻击的不连续模式至少部分是由于捕食者在斑点边界外不成比例地杀死SPB的结果。这个项目将把建模和实验研究结合起来。将使用实地研究来测量模型的参数，并检验模型预测。对这一理论的最强有力的考验将包括在现有的SPB地点添加捕食者。虽然这项研究的主旨是基本的，但它也将产生与生态学的应用方面高度相关的信息，例如空间异质性和碎片化对生物保护和虫害控制的影响。此外，如果发现捕食者在防止SPB斑点扩散方面发挥重要作用，这将为南方松树最具破坏性的害虫SPB的生物防治提供非常有用的工具。

9509237 Turchin Reaction-diffusion theory has been employed in several branches of biology in order to understand and model formation of spatial patterns. Among ecologists there is currently a wide appreciation of the importance of spatial heterogeneity, and it has been theorized that reaction-diffusion theory provides a common mechanisms by which such patchiness arises. However, this theoretical explanation has not been empirically tested. Reaction-diffusion theory will be tested in the ecological system consisting of southern pine beetles (SPB), pine trees that are attacked by SPB, and SPB predators. This system is characterized by an extremely patchy pattern of SPB attack; in some areas, called 'SPB spots', all trees are killed, while outside spots very few trees are killed. Reaction-diffusion theory suggests that the discontinuous pattern of SPB attack is due, at least partly, to the effect of predators disproportionately killing SPB just outside the spot boundaries. This project will combine modeling with experimental studies. Field studies will be used to measure the parameters of the model, and to test the model predictions. The strongest test of the theory will consist of adding predators to existing SPB spots. Although the primary thrust of this research is basic, it will also yield information highly relevant to applied aspects of ecology, such as the effects of spatial heterogeneity and fragmentation on biological conservation and pest control. Moreover, if predators are found to play an important role in preventing spread of SPB spots, this will provide a very useful tool for biological control of SPB, the most destructive pest of southern pines.