Abstract:
We study a mean-field coupled ecological model of
metapopulation in which species from spatially fragmented habitats
are connected through dispersal. The interplay between dispersal and
heterogeneous characteristics of connected habitats determines the
mechanisms in promoting dispersal-induced synchrony and stability of
metapopulation. Depending on dispersal rate and environmental heterogeneity, the mean-field coupling acts as a feedback to the system
which enables various rhythmic processes such as rhythmogenesis and
birhythmicity. In addition to that, heterogeneity determines perioddoubling of limit cycle which further leads to chaotic oscillation.
