The effects of diffusion and advection on the dynamics of a Lotka–Volterra competition system

Abstract

This study focuses on a two-species competition-diffusion-advection system, in which two species may have different population dynamics. Using the diffusion rate and advection rate as two varying parameters, we establish a clear classification of the dynamics of this system. It turns out that there is a tradeoff between growth capacity and dispersal strategy driven invasion and coexistence mechanisms. Stronger growth and slower advection are more conducive to the successful invasion of species. Balanced growth and advection are favorable for species coexistence. In addition, species with weak growth and slow advection can coexist with competitive opponents with strong growth and moderate advection. These results show that dispersal strategies and growth capacities are important for determining dynamics.