Coupled phase-amplitude dynamics in heterogeneous metacommunities

Spatial synchrony of population fluctuations is an important tool for predicting regional stability. Its application to natural systems still limited by the complexity ecological time series displaying great variation in frequency and amplitude their fluctuations, which are not fully resolved current theories spatial synchrony. In particular, while environmental dispersal can each control dynamics need resolve role on stability heterogeneous metacommunities. Here, we adopt a predator–prey metacommunity model study response dispersal-driven phase locking modulation among-patch heterogeneity carrying capacity. We find that occurs at intermediate values habitat heterogeneity. also show how emerge metacommunities autonomously oscillating populations as well through forcing local communities equilibrium. Frequency was further found produce temporal amplitudes, promoting cyclic patterns variability. Our results highlight importance approaching non-stationary phenomenon, with implications assessment interpretation observed experimental systems.