| Abstract | The population dynamics of single species with seasonal reproduction are often modeled using difference equations. The aim of this study is to present a unified view to understand the mechanistic basis of discrete-time population models from the viewpoints of resource partitioning and spatial aggregation of individuals. We present a first-principles derivation of a new population model which incorporates both scramble and contest competition by explicitly considering partitioning of resource between individuals in the framework of a site-based model. The derived model has two parameters relating with the type of competition and with the degree of spatial aggregation of individuals respectively. In various limits in these parameters, the derived model incorporates various classical population models. In this sense, this model provides a unified view about relationships between various population models. Furthermore, extending the above argument, we also demonstrate that population models exhibiting the Allee effect can be derived from first principles if assuming a population consisting of females and males. |
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