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The effect of patch isolation on reproductive synchrony in the root vole
Author(s) -
Johannesen Edda,
Andreassen Harry P.,
Ims Rolf A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
oikos
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.672
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1600-0706
pISSN - 0030-1299
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0706.2000.890104.x
Subject(s) - biology , vole , ecology , population , reproductive isolation , demography , sociology
Both social and environmental cues can synchronise breeding, but are likely to operate at different spatial and temporal scales. Here we test if breeding is synchronised at the patch or the population level in experimental patchy populations of root voles. We found no overall synchronisation neither at the patch nor at the population level. However, at the patch level, breeding was synchronised within patches if the patches were isolated and thus had little exchange of animals with other patches. In accordance with what has been predicted for matrilineally structured populations, we conclude that breeding synchrony is facilitated when social cues are exchanged within stable female groups.