The Metapopulation Paradigm

The metapopulation paradigm describes a group of separate populations of the same species living in connected habitats. These populations may go extinct locally but are maintained over time through migration and recolonization from neighboring areas. It emphasizes how the overall persistence of a species depends not just on individual populations but on their interactions and the balance between local extinctions and new invasions. This concept helps us understand species distribution, resilience, and how habitat fragmentation impacts overall survival.