Summary
A set of spatially separated populations linked by dispersal, with local extinction and recolonisation.
In depth
Levins's model: patches go extinct locally but are recolonised. Source-sink dynamics have productive source patches supplying sinks. Connectivity (corridors) is important.
Persistence depends on balance between extinction and colonisation. Habitat loss reduces connectivity, raising extinction risk. Corridors help.
Key idea: local extinction is not regional extinction if recolonisation occurs.
A metapopulation is a set of local populations linked by dispersal, where each patch may go extinct and be recolonised. Examples include the Glanville fritillary butterfly on Aland Islands studied by Ilkka Hanski, and the American pika in alpine rock patches. Persistence depends on patch size, quality and distance.
Rescue effects, where immigration prevents extinction, and source-sink dynamics help to explain why species can occur in poor habitat. In conservation, restoring connectivity may be as vital as protecting patches. Habitat loss can push the system below an extinction threshold even if some patches remain.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metapopulations?
A set of spatially separated populations linked by dispersal, with local extinction and recolonisation.
Which area of biology covers Metapopulations, and how advanced is it?
Metapopulations is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Landscape Ecology, Island Biogeography, Allee Effect.
Why does Metapopulations matter?
Metapopulation thinking helps manage fragmented landscapes where species live in networks of patches.
Can you give an example of Metapopulations?
Butterflies such as the Glanville fritillary in Finland.
What should I learn before Metapopulations?
Work through the Beginner topics in Ecology first, such as Ecology, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors, then return to Metapopulations. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Metapopulations?
The closest topics to Metapopulations are Landscape Ecology, Island Biogeography, Allee Effect, Climate Change Ecology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Metapopulations?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Metapopulations. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Metapopulations different from Landscape Ecology?
Metapopulations: A set of spatially separated populations linked by dispersal, with local extinction and recolonisation. Landscape Ecology: Examines how spatial patterns of habitat patches and corridors affect ecological processes. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Metapopulations step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Landscape Ecology and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.