Summary
The distribution pattern of ten species of Collembola was studied during the four years period from July 1971 to May 1975 in a pine forest soil.
The distribution patterns were analysed for two scales of distribution, i. e., the distribution over the plot of 10×10 m2 and the micro-distribution within a block sample consisting of 36 contigious units each 2×2 cm2 in area, by applying the\(\mathop m\limits^* \)-m regression method.
The fundamental pattern which appeared was quite similar for the species examined and individuals were aggregated in response to the heterogeneity of habitat conditions. The causes of aggregations were discussed with regard to some environmental factors.
The relative abundances of 10 species within the collembolan community was examined in relation to the habitat utilization and the relative abundance was not related to the degree of aggregation but rather to the area occupied by individuals. This suggests that the more numerically abundant species tend to occupy broader micro-habitat. Biological meaning of aggregation was discussed in connection with the population biology and community organization of collembola.
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Takeda, H. Ecological studies of collembolan populations in a pine forest soil IV. Comparison of distribution patterns. Res Popul Ecol 21, 120–134 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02512642
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02512642