Abstract
Spatially extended population models predict complex spatiotemporal patterns, such as spiral waves and spatial chaos, as a result of the reaction-diffusion dynamics that arise from trophic interactions. However, examples of such patterns in ecological systems are scarce. We develop a quantitative technique to demonstrate the existence of waves in Central European Larch budmoth (Zeiraphera diniana Gn.) outbreaks. We show that these waves travel toward the northeast-east at 210 kilometers per year. A theoretical model involving a moth-enemy interaction predicts directional waves, but only if dispersal is directionally biased or habitat productivity varies across the landscape. Our study confirms that nonlinear ecological interactions can lead to complex spatial dynamics at a regional scale.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1020-1023 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 298 |
Issue number | 5595 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2002 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General
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Waves of larch budmoth outbreaks in the European alps. / Bjørnstad, Ottar N.; Peltonen, Mikko; Liebhold, Andrew M.; Baltensweiler, Werner.
In: Science, Vol. 298, No. 5595, 01.11.2002, p. 1020-1023.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Waves of larch budmoth outbreaks in the European alps
AU - Bjørnstad, Ottar N.
AU - Peltonen, Mikko
AU - Liebhold, Andrew M.
AU - Baltensweiler, Werner
PY - 2002/11/1
Y1 - 2002/11/1
N2 - Spatially extended population models predict complex spatiotemporal patterns, such as spiral waves and spatial chaos, as a result of the reaction-diffusion dynamics that arise from trophic interactions. However, examples of such patterns in ecological systems are scarce. We develop a quantitative technique to demonstrate the existence of waves in Central European Larch budmoth (Zeiraphera diniana Gn.) outbreaks. We show that these waves travel toward the northeast-east at 210 kilometers per year. A theoretical model involving a moth-enemy interaction predicts directional waves, but only if dispersal is directionally biased or habitat productivity varies across the landscape. Our study confirms that nonlinear ecological interactions can lead to complex spatial dynamics at a regional scale.
AB - Spatially extended population models predict complex spatiotemporal patterns, such as spiral waves and spatial chaos, as a result of the reaction-diffusion dynamics that arise from trophic interactions. However, examples of such patterns in ecological systems are scarce. We develop a quantitative technique to demonstrate the existence of waves in Central European Larch budmoth (Zeiraphera diniana Gn.) outbreaks. We show that these waves travel toward the northeast-east at 210 kilometers per year. A theoretical model involving a moth-enemy interaction predicts directional waves, but only if dispersal is directionally biased or habitat productivity varies across the landscape. Our study confirms that nonlinear ecological interactions can lead to complex spatial dynamics at a regional scale.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0036829686&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0036829686&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1126/science.1075182
DO - 10.1126/science.1075182
M3 - Article
C2 - 12411704
AN - SCOPUS:0036829686
VL - 298
SP - 1020
EP - 1023
JO - Science
JF - Science
SN - 0036-8075
IS - 5595
ER -