Competition and dispersal from multiple nests

Abstract

Models of competition among dispersers from multiple natal sites are developed. Analytical solutions demonstrate that competition among identical dispersers may cause large variation in dispersal distances, and that increased competition may increase or decrease dispersal distances depending on the nature and magnitude of competition. This pattern is more complex than are results from previous models that ignored competition among dispersers. The analytical results are in accordance with results of a spatially explicit individual-based simulation model. When individuals disperse simultaneously from multiple nests and the number of dispersers exceeds the number of vacant territories, individu..