A hierarchical pattern of limiting factors helps explain variation in homerange size

Home range size characterizes the interplay between an organism and its env ironment. Determinants of home range size can be intrinsic or extrinsic to the individual but all factors relate along a hierarchical pattern accordin g to spatial and temporal scale. Determinants of home range size at species and population levels result from relatively slow processes, such as evolu tionary changes in body size or global changes in climate. Range determinan ts at the lower level of individuals, however, can change at a relatively f ast rate as they result from more rapid processes, such as the seasonal pro duction of food or annual changes in predation rates. Not only do higher sc ales constrain those below but also lower level processes combine to affect higher scales. Further, correlates of home range size can differ among sca les. To incorporate the possible findings of different patterns at differen t temporal and spatial scales we recommend using a comparative approach to complement controlled manipulative experiments.