Experimental Tests of Within and Between Patch Processes at the Microlandscape Scale. II. an EMS Approach using Microtus pennsylvanicus

9815408Bowers确实需要将基于斑块的小规模实地研究与大型景观区域研究联系起来。这个项目将允许PI继续他对宾夕法尼亚田鼠的研究，将其作为测试斑块动态和源/汇模型的重点物种。这项实验使用了复制的微景观，其中好的栖息地和差的栖息地的比率和分散率都在实验控制之下。这是通过在斑块的子集中添加补充食物来创造良好/恶劣的栖息地来实现的，通过在斑块之间割草或不割草来操纵扩散速度。本提案中概述的模式系统有可能研究相互关联的景观中不同质量斑块的特定生境人口学，从而使实地研究和景观之间的联系得以严格审查。

9815408Bowers There is a real need to link small-scale patch-based field studies with large landscape regional studies. This project will allow the PI to continue his studies of Microtus pennsylvanicus as the focal species for testing patch dynamics and source/sink models. This experiments use replicated microlandscapes where the ratio of good:poor habitats and dispersal rates are under experimental control. This is accomplished by adding supplemental food to a subset of the patches to create good/poor habitats and the dispersal rates are manipulated by either mowing or not mowing between patches. The model system outlined in this proposal has the potential to study habitat-specific demography of patches of differing quality within linked landscapes, thus allowing the connections between field studies and landscapes to be rigorously examined.