Abstract
The colonization by ciliates in micrososms was monitored. The colonization curves are concave downwards and reach an equilibrium value. Non-interactive, interactive, and assortative equilibria during the colonization process are discussed. The nature of immigration (I) and extinction (E) is examined. Despite variance in the relationship between species numbers and I and E rates it is shown that they accord with the prediction of the MacArthur-Wilson model, in that the basic idea of an area dependent dynamic equilibrium between I and E rates is supported and also that they are influenced by species interactions.

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