Dynamics of age-structured and spatially structured predator-prey interactions: individual-based models and population-level formulations

In the models, the individual is the fundamental unit, and the dynamics are governed by individual rules for growth, movement, reproduction, feeding, and mortality. The authors establish the congruence between age-structured predator-prey population models and the corresponding individual-based population model under homogeneous spatial conditions. Given the agreement between the formalisms, they then use the individual-based model to investigate the dynamics of spatially structured predator-prey systems, particularly contrasting the dynamics of predator-prey systems in which predators adopt either an "ambush' or a "cruising' strategy. The stability of the spatially structured predator-prey system depends on the relative mobility of prey and predators. Prey mobility, in particular, has a strong effect on stability. Local density dependence in prey reproduction can quantitatively alter the asymmetrical influence of prey mobility on stability but the asymmetry exists when local density dependence is removed. This asymmetrical response is probably due to prey "escape' in space caused by differences in rates of spread of prey and predator populations that arise because of fundamental differences between prey and predator reproduction. -from Authors

Duke Scholars

Author William G. Wilson Biology