{
  "id": 4683611,
  "title": "Geometric scaling of non-consumptive interactions generates sublinear density dependence and reshapes coexistence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/geometric-scaling-of-non-consumptive-interactions-generates-sublinear",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-31T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "bioRxiv",
    "slug": "biorxiv",
    "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.30.748073v1?rss=1"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The shape of density-dependence plays a crucial role in determining species persistence and ecosystem stability. However, it is unclear whether per-capita growth declines sublinearly or superlinearly with density. Studies have shown that growth rates across the tree of life tend to decline sublinearly with density, but theoretical models based on resource competition suggest the opposite. This article resolves this contradiction by demonstrating that sublinearity can arise from geometric constraints on consumer interactions. By considering factors such as individual spacing, movement, and interference rates, the authors derive two limiting-interference regimes. One of these regimes, the well-mixed limit, aligns with the classic Beddington-DeAngelis interference response. To validate their findings, the authors develop an individual-based model derived from first principles, which reproduces the observed sublinearity response. They also analyze empirical data from published consumer-resource experiments that exhibit the signature of sublinear density-dependence. Furthermore, the authors integrate the interference mechanisms responsible for the emergence of sublinear density-dependence into coexistence theory. This integration reveals a new regime for species coexistence that classical theory fails to predict. The authors conclude that non-consumptive interactions should not be viewed as merely a correction to resource competition, but rather as a distinct axis along which diverse communities may coexist.",
  "summary": "The shape of density-dependence governs species persistence, and ecosystem stability. Yet, whether per-capita growth declines sublinearily, or superlinearily with density remains hotly debated. Growth rates across the tree of life have been shown to decline sublinearly with density, whereas theory founded on resource competition predicts the opposite. Here, we resolve this discrepancy and show…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}