Figure 12.8 Negative density dependence in terns. As the tern population expanded in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, it colonized Bird Island. Rapid growth of the population filled most of the available nesting sites and the birds then colonized Ram Island. Once again, the population grew and occupied most of the available nesting sites. The terns then colonized Penikese Island.

Data courtesy of Ian C. T. Nisbet.