Colonization of islands by ecologically dissimilar species of mammals

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Abstract
A theory of competitive interaction predicts that ecologically dissimilar species of animals within a taxon occur together on islands more frequently than do ecologically similar species. The theory was tested with rodents of the genera Microtus, Clethrionomys, Peromyscus, and Apodemus. Based upon information derived from mainland studies, the prediction was made that Microtus and Clethrionomys, deemed to be the most similar pair ecologically, occur together on islands rarely. Data from three groups of islands showed the prediction to be correct. These two genera do not occur together on any of the islands examined which support only two genera. Other factors which might govern the observed distributions, including the dispersal abilities of the genera, are discussed. It is suggested that there is a trend in the occupation of islands from ecological generalists to specialists.

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