Using individual-based simulations to test the Levins metapopulation paradigm

1. Levins metapopulations have become a standard tool for modelling spatially heterogeneous populations. The acceptance of these models by ecologists may be attributed to their simple structure and their use of presence-absence data. 2. Using structured-metapopulations, which possess stochastic dynamics at the local subpopulation level. the extinction and subsequent recolonization rates can be calculated and compared to those of the classical Levins model. 3. Single-species metapopulations conform to the Levins ideal, validating the widespread use of this conceptual model. However, multispecies systems are shown to deviate in a consistent manner. This deviation, which is explained in terms of a correlation between patch occupancy and average population levels of the species, can be used to identify the signature of enemy-victim interactions.