Simulated and human metapopulations created by habitat selection

Questions: Can density-dependent habitat selection create extinction-recolonization dynamics typical of metapopulations? Does habitat selection occur at spatial scales represented by metapopulations? Approach: Simulation models of discrete logistic population growth by two competing species occupying three habitats. Test of the prediction that resident Canadians move between cities to maximize income. Key assumptions: Groups in different habitats can be treated as different populations. Different Canadian cities represent separate habitats. Income is a surrogate of fitness. Humans and human societies are appropriate for assessing density-dependent habitat selection. Results: Density-dependent habitat selection by two competing species can cause frequent local extinctions and recolonization of empty habitat. Canadians disperse between cities in a way that appears to maximize median household income. Conclusion: Local extinction and recolonization is easily created by density-dependent habitat selection. Humans select habitat at a scale corresponding to that of a typical metapopulation.