In a typical metapopulation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a metapopulation, even the largest subpopulations are at risk of extinction due to the dynamic nature of the population structure. This is because populations within the metapopulation are connected by dispersal, and local extinction events can impact the ability of other subpopulations to persist. Therefore, maintaining connectivity and dispersal between subpopulations is important for the long-term survival of the metapopulation. Option A is incorrect because habitat patches are often patchy and heterogeneous, necessitating the use of dispersal to maintain gene flow and population persistence. Option C is incorrect because the isolation of habitats is not desirable, and the ability of organisms to recolonize following a local extinction event is important for metapopulation persistence. Option D is incorrect because the dynamics of local populations within a metapopulation are often not synchronized, due to the inherent variability in local environmental conditions and demographic processes.

In a Typical Metapopulation