Sensitivity of terrestrial isopod populations (<i>Armadillidium</i>) to food quality differences

Abstract

Effects of food quality on individual growth and life history features are measured from large single-age cultures, and consequences of these effects are demonstrated on large structured populations in optimized environments.Food quality, and other environmental variables, can dictate irregular rate functions which may control patterns of population performance. Analysis of population sensitivity to changes in such environmental factors, and resulting feedback, is necessary for adequate systems modelling.