Asymmetric diffusion in a two-patch mutualism system characterizing exchange of resource for resource

Abstract

This paper considers a two-patch mutualism system derived from exchange of resource for resource, where the obligate mutualist can diffuse asymmetrically between patches. First, we give a complete analysis on dynamics of the system without diffusion, which exhibit how resource production of the obligate mutualist leads to its survival/extinction. Using monotone dynamics theory, we show global stability of a positive equilibrium in the three-dimensional system with diffusion. A novel finding of this work is that the obligate species' final abundance is explicitly expressed as a function of the diffusion rate and asymmetry, which demonstrates precise mechanisms by which the diffusion and asymmetry lead to the abundance higher than if non-diffusing, even though the facultative species declines. It is shown that for a fixed diffusion rate, intermediate asymmetry is favorable while extremely large asymmetry is unfavorable; For a fixed asymmetry, small diffusion is favorable while extremely large asymmetry is unfavorable. Initial densities of the species are also shown to be important in species' persistence and abundance. Numerical simulations confirm and extend our results.