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Cannibalism as an evolutionary strategy

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Abstract

Mathematical models of predator-prey systems in which the prey species has a three-stage life cycle are studied. Certain stages of the prey life history are allowed to use younger stages as food. It is shown that sufficiently restricted cannibalism can result in an increase in the numbers of adult prey on a sustained basis when cannibalism decreases the vulnerability of a stage subject to predation or increases overall productivity.

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Bobisud, L.E. Cannibalism as an evolutionary strategy. Bltn Mathcal Biology 38, 359–368 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462211

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462211

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