Final answer:
In a metapopulation, regional scale population dynamics are governed primarily by the interaction of dispersal and colonization.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a metapopulation, regional scale population dynamics are primarily governed by the interaction of dispersal and colonization. A metapopulation consists of a set of interconnected local populations that are often subdivided into mainland and island populations.
The mainland population provides a source of emigrants that disperse to nearby small populations, allowing for recolonization and introduction of new genetic material in case of local extinction.