Competition on a Divided and Ephemeral Resource: A Simulation Model

(1) A simulation model is presented of competition on a divided and ephemeral resource. (2) Coexistence between two species can be extended by dividing the resource into more and smaller breeding sites. (3) Aggregation of the superior competitor also promotes coexistence, and can lead to an equilibrium between the two species if contagion is strong enough. (4) If the degree of aggregation is allowed to vary with density in a realistic way equilibrium is nearly always obtained. (5) These results may explain the high species diversity commonly observed on divided resources.