Investigating the Dynamic Behavior of Integer and Noninteger Order System of Predation with Holling’s Response

Abstract

The paper’s primary objective is to examine the dynamic behavior of an integer and noninteger predator–prey system with a Holling type IV functional response in the Caputo sense. Our focus is on understanding how harvesting influences the stability, equilibria, bifurcations, and limit cycles within this system. We employ qualitative and quantitative analysis methods rooted in bifurcation theory, dynamical theory, and numerical simulation. We also delve into studying the boundedness of solutions and investigating the stability and existence of equilibrium points within the system. Leveraging Sotomayor’s theorem, we establish the presence of both the saddle-node and transcritical bifurcations. The analysis of the Hopf bifurcation is carried out using the normal form theorem. The model under consideration is extended to the fractional reaction–diffusion model which captures non-local and long-range effects more accurately than integer-order derivatives. This makes fractional reaction–diffusion systems suitable for modeling phenomena with anomalous diffusion or memory effects, improving the fidelity of simulations in turn. An adaptable numerical technique for solving this class of differential equations is also suggested. Through simulation results, we observe that one of the Lyapunov exponents has a negative value, indicating the potential for the emergence of a stable-limit cycle via bifurcation as well as chaotic and complex spatiotemporal distributions. We supplement our analytical investigations with numerical simulations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the system’s behavior. It was discovered that both the prey and predator populations will continue to coexist and be permanent, regardless of the choice of fractional parameter.