Location Theory of the Nonhuman Sector

Abstract

The Thünen model is adapted in direct and inverse forms to analyze animal populations and their spatial structures for the cases of single point and uniform locations of food. The model emphasizes competition for territory rather than direct competition for food, with intraspecific territorial competition increasing with population density. One among a number of theoretical results is that increased availability of food increases competition costs, and there is a symmetric effect for decreases, offering a dampening or cushioning effect on population changes in response to certain environmental changes. The approach offers a simple unification of population-territory and population-population interactions.

Key Words:

• animal populations
• competition
• food resources
• location theory
• territoriality
• Thünen model