Metapopulációk

Metapopulációk refers to a spatially structured population composed of a mosaic of interacting sub-populations that are linked by dispersal. These sub-populations inhabit discrete patches of suitable habitat, and their persistence depends on a balance between local extinction and colonization events. The concept was introduced by Ilkka Hanski and colleagues, building upon earlier work by Richard Levins.

The key features of a metapopulation are the existence of multiple local populations, the possibility of extinction in some of these populations, and the ability of individuals to move between patches, recolonizing areas where local populations have gone extinct. The overall persistence of the metapopulation is often greater than that of any single sub-population, as the extinction of one sub-population can be compensated by the colonization of another.

Metapopulation dynamics are influenced by factors such as habitat patch size, isolation, quality, and the dispersal ability of the species. The arrangement of habitat patches, known as the landscape matrix, also plays a crucial role in facilitating or hindering dispersal. Understanding metapopulation dynamics is vital for conservation biology, as it helps predict the long-term survival of species in fragmented landscapes and informs strategies for habitat management and connectivity.