Varying resource abundances and competitive dynamics

Examines the potential for differential competitive outcomes based solely on the relative abundances of different resource types using the coexisting grasshopper species Melanoplus sanguinipes and Ageneotettix deorum (Orthoptera: Acrididae) at the National Bison Range, Montana. These species compete exploitatively for shared resources (some grasses) but the generalist M. sanguinipes has exclusive resources (other grasses and forbs). Increasing the amount of exclusive resources available to the generalist allowed it to have an increasing overall impact on A. deorum, and to experience a subsequent decrease in its own reduction due to competition. -P.J.Jarvis