Destabilizing effect of cannibalism on a structured predator-prey system

Math Biosci. 1999 Jan 1;155(1):61-75. doi: 10.1016/s0025-5564(98)10051-2.

Abstract

The dynamics of a predator-prey system, where the predator has two stages, a juvenile stage and a mature stage, are modelled by a system of three ordinary differential equations. The mature predators prey on the juvenile predators in addition to the prey. If the mortality rate of juveniles is low and/or the recruitment rate to the mature population is high, then there is a stable equilibrium with all three population sizes positive. On the other hand, if the mortality rate of juveniles is high and/or the recruitment rate to the mature population is low, then the equilibrium will be stable for low levels of cannibalism, but a loss of stability by a Hopf bifurcation will take place as the level of cannibalism increases. Numerical studies indicate that a stable limit cycle appears. Cannibalism can therefore be a destabilizing force in a predator-prey system.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Cannibalism*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted*
  • Predatory Behavior*