Clone of Bio103 Predator-Prey Model ("Lotka'Volterra") Tags: Education , Chaos , Ecology , Biology , Population Thanks to Insight Author: John Petersen Edits by Andy Long Everything that follows the dashes was created by John Petersen (or at least came from his Insight model).
Chaos Education Biology Volterra Lotka Mat375 Population Ecology

Clone of Bio103 Predator-Prey Model ("Lotka'Volterra")
Thanks to Insight Author: John Petersen

Edits by Andy Long

Everything that follows the dashes was created by John Petersen (or at least came from his Insight model). I just wanted to make a few comments.

We are looking at Hare and Lynx, of course. Clone this insight, and change the names.

Then read the text below, to get acquainted with one of the most important and well-known examples of a simple system of differential equations in all of mathematics.

http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat375/mathematica/Lotka-Volterra.nb
------------------------------------------------------------

Dynamic simulation modelers are particularly interested in understanding and being able to distinguish between the behavior of stocks and flows that result from internal interactions and those that result from external forces acting on a system. 

For some time modelers have been particularly interested in internal interactions that result in stable oscillations in the absence of any external forces acting on a system. 

The model in this last scenario was independently developed by Alfred Lotka (1924) and Vito Volterra (1926).  Lotka was interested in understanding internal dynamics that might explain oscillations in moth and butterfly populations and the parasitoids that attack them.  Volterra was interested in explaining an increase in coastal populations of predatory fish and a decrease in their prey that was observed during World War I when human fishing pressures on the predator species declined. 

Both discovered that a relatively simple model is capable of producing the cyclical behaviors they observed. 

Since that time, several researchers have been able to reproduce the modeling dynamics in simple experimental systems consisting of only predators and prey.  It is now generally recognized that the model world that Lotka and Volterra produced is too simple to explain the complexity of most predator-prey dynamics in nature.  And yet, the model significantly advanced our understanding of the critical role of feedback in predator-prey interactions and in feeding relationships that result in community dynamics.

The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.

As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of MAT375 Clone of Bio103 Predator-Prey Model ("Lotka'Volterra")
Jon Ford
Rūta Grasberga
Introductory Ecology Population

Rūta Grasberga

Cēsu iedzīvotāju skaita izmaiņas
ruta
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Health CVD Population
Module 3 model on Healthy Population model
CVD Prevention Model
Lee Robertson
Bei dem Katz- Maus-Modell handelt es sich um ein Räuber-Beute-Modell aus der Biologie. In dem vorliegenden Fall wird u.a. mittels Differentialgleichungen simuliert, wie sich die Anzahl der Mäuse und die Anzahl der Katzen unter speziellen Zuwachs- bzw. Abnahmeraten entwickeltDie Berechnungsgrundlage
Biology Biologie Räuber-Beute-Modell Population Growth Population
Bei dem Katz- Maus-Modell handelt es sich um ein Räuber-Beute-Modell aus der Biologie. In dem vorliegenden Fall wird u.a. mittels Differentialgleichungen simuliert, wie sich die Anzahl der Mäuse und die Anzahl der Katzen unter speziellen Zuwachs- bzw. Abnahmeraten entwickeltDie Berechnungsgrundlage bildet das Runge-Kutta-Verfahren, weil ...
Katz und Maus
Kirsten Scholle
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Population Biology Chaos Education Ecology
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of Prey&Predator
Supriyanto
Exponential growth model for humans, based on birth rate and death rate, both a function of consumption. Global ecosystem model with self-regenerating ecological capital, and ecological Impact (ecological footprint)
Population
Exponential growth model for humans, based on birth rate and death rate, both a function of consumption.

Global ecosystem model with self-regenerating ecological capital, and ecological Impact (ecological footprint)
Nature and People, separate
Christopher Bystroff
Shows the ecological impact of population.
Ecological Impacts Population
Shows the ecological impact of population.
Population Ecological Impact-Jamaica
Nakida Taylor
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Biology Ecology Education Population Chaos
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of Prey&Predator
Nic Höney
This model incorporates several options in examining fisheries dynamics and fisheries employment. The two most important aspects are the choice between I)managing based on setting fixed quota versus setting fixed effort , and ii) using the 'scientific advice' for quota setting  versus allowing 'poli
Management Sustainability Fishery Population
This model incorporates several options in examining fisheries dynamics and fisheries employment. The two most important aspects are the choice between I)managing based on setting fixed quota versus setting fixed effort , and ii) using the 'scientific advice' for quota setting  versus allowing 'political influence' on quota setting (the assumption here is that you have good estimates of recruitment and stock assessments that form the basis of 'scientific advice' and then 'political influnce' that desires increased quota beyond the scientific advice).
Clone of Fixed Quota versus Fixed Effort
Marilyn Rubia-Anstey
A very simple population model with slider bars for birth and death rate
Population
A very simple population model with slider bars for birth and death rate
Simple Population Model
John Y.
This simulation examines population growth in Maine.
Population Urban Energy
This simulation examines population growth in Maine.
Maine's Population Projection
Gregory Fulkerson
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Education Chaos Ecology Biology Population
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of Prey&Predator
Nick May
This is a basic model for use with our lab section.  The full BIDE options.
Population Ecology Introductory

This is a basic model for use with our lab section.  The full BIDE options.

Clone of Bio 101: Basic Population Model
Nathalia Correa Sánchez
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Population Biology Ecology Chaos Education
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of Prey&Predator
Fauzan Abdillah
Here we model the population of Haiti, a relativly underdeveloped country, given data between 1960 and 2013 from Worldbank.org. We used the crude birth rate and crude death rate for every 5 years since 1960 to 2005, and the rates every year from 2005 to 2013. To forecast, we used the slope of the ne
Growth Population
Here we model the population of Haiti, a relativly underdeveloped country, given data between 1960 and 2013 from Worldbank.org. We used the crude birth rate and crude death rate for every 5 years since 1960 to 2005, and the rates every year from 2005 to 2013. To forecast, we used the slope of the net birth rate to calculate when the net birth rate would be zero, and used this year for our birth and death rates to are equal to zero. We assumed no net movement of people into or out of Haiti.
Population of Haiti (Undeveloped) Over Time
Christopher Hartline
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Ecology Chaos Education Population Biology
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Prey&Predator - 3z MA
Johan Raunkjær Borre
Cloned from Ash Moran's  Insight 1256  Systems and Models (Hartmut Bossel) Figure 2.16. Notation matches the Appendix of Marten Scheffer's 2009  Book  Critical Transitions in Nature and Society p329 
Health Care Ecology Population

Cloned from Ash Moran's Insight 1256 Systems and Models (Hartmut Bossel) Figure 2.16. Notation matches the Appendix of Marten Scheffer's 2009 Book Critical Transitions in Nature and Society p329 

Logistic growth from Critical Transitions
Geoff McDonnell
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Ecology Population Biology Chaos Education
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of Prey&Predator
JCU Environmental Biology
Insight diagram
Training Population Public Health
Clone of 5-yr Age Grp Pop Model
Irina Holland
Between 1999 and 2006 Koala population had dropped 26% in Queensland.  By 2008 it was estimated there were around 2300 Koalas with more than a 50% population loss in less than 3 years.  Main threats for Koala survival are a loss of habitat, vehicular trauma, dog attacks, urbanisation, disease an
Population Stewardship Koala Queensland
Koala populations in SE Queensland
Heather
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Biology Population Education Chaos Ecology
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of Prey&Predator
Steffi Z
Exploring the conditions of permanent coexistence, rather than gradual disappearance of disadvantaged competitors. ​Z506 p32-35 System Zoo 3 by Hartmut Bossel.
System Zoo Health Care Self Population Social Psychology Competition

Exploring the conditions of permanent coexistence, rather than gradual disappearance of disadvantaged competitors. ​Z506 p32-35 System Zoo 3 by Hartmut Bossel.

Clone of Competition for Resources
Rajanikanth Vadigepalli
Simulation of MTBF with controls F(t) = 1 - e ^ -λt  Where   • F(t) is the probability of failure   • λ is the failure rate in 1/time unit (1/h, for example)  • t is the observed service life (h, for example) The inverse curve is the trust time On the right the increase in failures brings its
Environment Finance Economics Physics Biology Health Fractals Strategy Chaos Failure TURBULENCE Engineering Risk MTBF Navier Stokes BIFURCATIONS Growth Population Demographics Science Mathematics
Simulation of MTBF with controls

F(t) = 1 - e ^ -λt 
Where  
• F(t) is the probability of failure  
• λ is the failure rate in 1/time unit (1/h, for example) 
• t is the observed service life (h, for example)

The inverse curve is the trust time
On the right the increase in failures brings its inverse which is loss of trust and move into suspicion and lack of confidence.
This can be seen in strategic social applications with those who put economy before providing the priorities of the basic living infrastructures for all.

This applies to policies and strategic decisions as well as physical equipment.
A) Equipment wears out through friction and preventive maintenance can increase the useful lifetime, 
B) Policies/working practices/guidelines have to be updated to reflect changes in the external environment and eventually be replaced when for instance a population rises too large (constitutional changes are required to keep pace with evolution, e.g. the concepts of the ancient Greeks, 3000 years ago, who based their thoughts on a small population cannot be applied in 2013 except where populations can be contained into productive working communities with balanced profit and loss centers to ensure sustainability)

Early Life
If we follow the slope from the leftmost start to where it begins to flatten out this can be considered the first period. The first period is characterized by a decreasing failure rate. It is what occurs during the “early life” of a population of units. The weaker units fail leaving a population that is more rigorous.

Useful Life
The next period is the flat bottom portion of the graph. It is called the “useful life” period. Failures occur more in a random sequence during this time. It is difficult to predict which failure mode will occur, but the rate of failures is predictable. Notice the constant slope.  

Wearout
The third period begins at the point where the slope begins to increase and extends to the rightmost end of the graph. This is what happens when units become old and begin to fail at an increasing rate. It is called the “wearout” period. 
Clone of Clone of Clone of Clone of BATHTUB MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURE (MTBF) RISK
Alena Peskova
​Physical meaning of the equations The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations: 1. The prey population finds ample food at all times. 2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the
Biology Education Population Chaos Ecology
​Physical meaning of the equations
The Lotka–Volterra model makes a number of assumptions about the environment and evolution of the predator and prey populations:

1. The prey population finds ample food at all times.
2. The food supply of the predator population depends entirely on the size of the prey population.
3. The rate of change of population is proportional to its size.
4. During the process, the environment does not change in favour of one species and genetic adaptation is inconsequential.
5. Predators have limitless appetite.
As differential equations are used, the solution is deterministic and continuous. This, in turn, implies that the generations of both the predator and prey are continually overlapping.[23]

Prey
When multiplied out, the prey equation becomes
dx/dt = αx - βxy
 The prey are assumed to have an unlimited food supply, and to reproduce exponentially unless subject to predation; this exponential growth is represented in the equation above by the term αx. The rate of predation upon the prey is assumed to be proportional to the rate at which the predators and the prey meet; this is represented above by βxy. If either x or y is zero then there can be no predation.

With these two terms the equation above can be interpreted as: the change in the prey's numbers is given by its own growth minus the rate at which it is preyed upon.

Predators

The predator equation becomes

dy/dt =  - 

In this equation, {\displaystyle \displaystyle \delta xy} represents the growth of the predator population. (Note the similarity to the predation rate; however, a different constant is used as the rate at which the predator population grows is not necessarily equal to the rate at which it consumes the prey). {\displaystyle \displaystyle \gamma y} represents the loss rate of the predators due to either natural death or emigration; it leads to an exponential decay in the absence of prey.

Hence the equation expresses the change in the predator population as growth fueled by the food supply, minus natural death.


Clone of Prey&Predator
Sebastian Zander