Effects of habitat heterogeneity and dispersal strategies on population persistence in annual plants

Using an integro-difference equation model of population growth and dispers al, the incorporation of habitat heterogeneity is formulated using the 'hab itat quality function'. Using a number of habitat quality functions and dis persal functions, the minimum amount of habitat quality required for popula tion persistence (critical habitat size) is calculated. Results are used to show which types of habitat heterogeneity give populations the best chance of persistence and what effects the choice of dispersal function has. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.