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Persistence in food webs—I Lotka-Volterra food chains

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Abstract

Persistence-extinction in simple food chains modelled by Lotka-Volterra dynamics is governed by a single parameter which depends upon the interspecific interaction coefficients, the intraspecific interaction coefficients, and the length of the food chain. In persistent systems with nonzero carrying capacity, two new features predominate. Trophic level influence factors relate persistence on different trophic levels and determine, in conjunction with the persistence parameter, the magnitude of persistence. Equilibrium component ordering, which results in persistent systems, mandates once again that systems need to be studied on the complete ecosystem level; static field measurements reflect species location in the food chain, the total length of the food chain and assume characteristics according to these factors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, University of Georgia, 30602, Athens, Georgia, USA

    Thomas C. Gard

  2. Departments of Mathematics and Ecology, University of Tennessee, 37916, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

    Thomas G. Hallam

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  1. Thomas C. Gard
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  2. Thomas G. Hallam
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Gard, T.C., Hallam, T.G. Persistence in food webs—I Lotka-Volterra food chains. Bltn Mathcal Biology 41, 877–891 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462384

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462384

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