Predator-prey Research Articles

Modeling the Complex Interplay: Dynamics of Job Displacement and Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in a Socio-Economic Landscape

Modeling the Complex Interplay: Dynamics of Job Displacement and Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in a Socio-Economic Landscape

Species-specific predation determines the feeding impacts of six soil protist species on bacterial and eukaryotic prey

Predatory protists play a central role in nutrient cycling and are involved in other ecosystem functions by predating the microbiome. While most soil predatory protist species arguably are bacterivorous, some protist species can prey on eukaryotes. However, studies focusing on soil protist feeding mainly focused on bacteria as prey and rarely tested both bacteria and eukaryotes as potential prey. In this study, we aimed to decipher soil predator–prey interactions of three Amoebozoan and three Heterolobosean soil protists and potential bacterial (Escherichia coli; 0.5–1.5 µm), fungal (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 5–7 µm) and protist (Plasmodiophora brassicae; 3–5 µm) prey, either as individual prey or in all their combinations. We related protist performance (relative abundance) and prey consumption (qPCR) to the protist phylogenetic group and volume. We showed that for the six soil protist predators, the most suitable prey was E. coli, but some species also grew on P. brassicae or S. cerevisiae. While protist relative abundances and growth rates depended on prey type in a protist species-specific manner, phylogenetic groups and volume affected prey consumption. Yet we conclude that protist feeding patterns are mainly species-specific and that some known bacterivores might be more generalist than expected, even preying on eukaryotic plant pathogens such as P. brassicae.

The role of manipulative trophically transmitted parasites in the stability of a predator–prey community

In this paper, we are interested in the effect of a trophically transmitted parasite on the structure and dynamics of a resident predator–prey community. The parasite, apart from increasing the mortality rates of its hosts, can also change their physiology or their behaviour, which is known as trait-mediated indirect interaction. We assume that parasite transmission, which entails rapid physiological or behavioural change, is a fast process with respect to the community dynamics, including prey and predator growths and predation. This existence of different time scales allows us to provide analytical results to understand some conditions under which the parasite change the dynamics of the predator–prey community. Thus, we are able to find conditions under which indirect trait-mediated interactions induced by the parasite lead to a coexistence between predators and prey that would not occur in its absence. We also provide conditions, evolutionary deleterious, that ensure the extinction of a predator–prey community that would be viable without parasite intervention. Finally, we show situations in which the action of the parasite destabilizes the predator–prey system without eliminating it, producing oscillations, the mechanism of which is analysed.

A trait‐based understanding of the vulnerability of a Paleotropical moth community to predation by a sympatric bat with flexible foraging strategies

Abstract Prey vulnerability across seasons can be predicted by measuring their morphological traits and availability. Although conventional prey–predator dynamics focus on pairs of prey and predator species, the trait‐based approach allows us to draw inferences at the scale of the entire assemblage. Here, we coupled measurable prey traits with their availability in the study area, to identify the vulnerability of a diverse moth assemblage to predation by the lesser false vampire bat (Megaderma spasma) Chiroptera: Megadermatidae, Linneaus 1758, a bat with flexible foraging strategies, in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. We analysed the discarded prey remains from several roosts, collected over 3 years, for seasonal patterns in the diet and selective hunting. Through light‐trapping, we collected moth specimens in different seasons and measured the morphological traits likely to affect their vulnerability to predation, such as body size and evasive flight capability. Our results showed that consumed moth prey diversity varies seasonally, with moths belonging to the Hepialidae family being preferred in the wet season. We found that the larger moth species with lower evasive capabilities are more vulnerable to predation. Sphingid and Hepialid moths, among the most abundant in the diet, have the lowest manoeuvrability and the maximum body size, respectively. By assessing vulnerability at the prey assemblage level, our study sets the stage for future research on moth–bat interactions from the diverse and less‐explored Paleotropical communities. In addition, the study reiterates the usefulness of trait‐based approaches to understanding prey–predator dynamics.

On wavefront patterns in a fractional reaction–diffusion model for predator–prey system with anti-predator behavior

AbstractIn recent studies, much attention has been paid to reaction–diffusion systems with anomalous diffusion. In this paper, we investigate the formation of wavefront patterns in a predator–prey model with anti-predator behavior under the influence of anomalous subdiffusion. We use methods of traveling wave analysis and numerical integration to establish the existence of traveling wavefront solutions. Further, obtained traveling wavefront solutions are validated through direct computer simulations of time-dependent solutions for fractional partial differential equation system. It is found that wavefronts exist in a range of system parameters, which travel faster in the subdiffusive system than in the normal diffusive one.

Dynamic analysis and optimal control strategies of a predator–prey mathematical model for the pest eradication in oil palm plantation

Oil palm cultivation stands as a crucial industry in Indonesia, significantly contributing to the nation’s economy by generating employment opportunities and fostering social welfare for communities residing near plantations. Despite its economic importance, oil palm plantations face various challenges, with one prominent issue being the infestation of nettle caterpillar pests. These pests cause leaf skeletonization, resulting in a staggering 36% reduction in oil palm productivity over a two-year period. This paper explores diverse strategies for pest management in oil palm plantations, encompassing biological control through the stimulation of natural predators, mechanical control involving the collection and incineration of cocoons, and chemical control through pesticide application. The research introduces a predator–prey mathematical model for oil palm plantation pests, where the leaf area serves as the primary food source for caterpillars, acting as prey. Through dynamic model analysis, four equilibrium points are identified, with interconnected conditions dictating their existence and stability. These conditions are visually represented in a bifurcation plane, providing concise information. The study further includes bifurcation diagrams of equilibrium points to elucidate the influence of each parameter on pests, predators, and the leaf area of oil palm plants. Additionally, sensitivity analysis of the stable interior equilibrium point is conducted to understand the impact of individual parameters. The paper extends its investigation to optimal control strategies, evaluating six scenarios categorized into two population conditions: with predators and without predators. Within each population condition, three control strategies are considered—chemical control only, mechanical control only, and a combination of chemical and mechanical control. Simulation results from the optimal control study reveal that the presence of natural predators emerges as a pivotal strategy in effectively managing nettle caterpillars. Notably, the control of resistant pests through pupa incineration has a substantial impact on reducing the caterpillar population in subsequent life cycles.

STABILITY AND BIFURCATION OF A PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE ANTI-PREDATOR BEHAVIORS

In this paper, a predator–prey system with multiple anti-predator behaviors is developed and studied, where not only the prey may spread between patches but also the fear effect and counter-attack behavior of the prey are taken into account. First, the stability and existence of coexistence equilibria are presented. The unique positive equilibrium may be a saddle-node or a cusp of codimension 2. Then, various transversality conditions of bifurcations such as saddle-node bifurcation, transcritical bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation are obtained. Moreover, compared with a single strategy, the multiple anti-predator strategies are more beneficial to the persistence and the population density of prey.

Complex dynamic analysis of a reaction–diffusion predator–prey model in the network and non-network environment

This paper considers an improved two-dimensional reaction–diffusion predator–prey model with time delay. Firstly, the distribution of the equilibrium points of the system and the existence conditions are discussed. Secondly, under the assumption of the existence of equilibrium points, the linear approximations of the system in both network and non-network settings are derived. Thirdly, the Turing instability conditions for both non-delay and delay systems are investigated, including cases of diffusion-induced and delay-induced instabilities. Fourthly, amplitude equations are derived based on the non-delay system. Finally, extensive numerical simulations are conducted to validate and illustrate the theoretical results, and to analyze and explain their practical significance. The above results effectively demonstrate that the theoretical findings, simulations, and natural reality are consistent. The numerical modeling conducted on the network structure based on the Monte Carlo method exhibits a more diverse range of dynamic behaviors in the parameter of the Holling III functional response function.

Optimal control of an infected prey–predator model with fear effect

In this paper, we propose and analyze a prey–predator model with the functional response of Beddington–DeAngelis and the fear effect that have infection only in prey populations. We determine existence criteria of several equilibria, and the stability at different equilibria are presented. We exert pesticide control over prey and additional food control over predators, the optimal control is obtained by the Pontryagin maximum principle. We confirm that adding controls to the predator and prey yields better results. Further we enrich our analysis with the inclusion of the existence and uniqueness of the optimal control. Finally, some numerical results to illustrate our analysis are presented.

Dynamical analysis of a Modified Leslie-Gower Predator prey model with disease in prey incorporating a prey refuge and treatment

Dynamical analysis of a Modified Leslie-Gower Predator prey model with disease in prey incorporating a prey refuge and treatment

Dynamics of a predator–prey fishery model with birth pulse, impulsive releasing and harvesting on prey

Dynamics of a predator–prey fishery model with birth pulse, impulsive releasing and harvesting on prey

Prey Supply and Predation as Potential Limitations to Feasibility of Anadromous Salmonid Introductions in a Reservoir

Prey Supply and Predation as Potential Limitations to Feasibility of Anadromous Salmonid Introductions in a Reservoir

Examining the influence of prey dynamics on predator–prey interactions

ABSTRACT We develop variations of a discrete-time predator–prey model to examine how intrinsic properties of the prey population may impact overall system dynamics. We focus on two properties of the prey species, namely developmental stage structure and undercompensatory (contest competition) versus overcompensatory (scramble competition) density dependence. Through analysis of these models, we examine how these different prey features affect system stability. Our results show that when prey growth is overcompensatory, the predator may have a stabilizing effect on the system dynamics with increasing predator density reversing the period doubling route to chaos observed with Ricker-type nonlinearities. Moreover, we find that stage structure in the prey does not have a destabilizing effect on the system dynamics unless the prey projection matrix is imprimitive or close to imprimitive, as may occur for semelparous species. In this case, a sufficiently large predator density may stabilize cycles that are otherwise unstable.

DYNAMICS OF DELAYED AUTONOMOUS MODEL WITH CARRY-OVER EFFECTS, INCLUDING PREY HARVESTING

This paper proposes a two-dimensional modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with carry-over effects, fear, prey protection and additional food, including prey harvesting. For this, it assumes the carry-over effect with delay incorporated in the birth rate of the prey population and gestation delay in Leslie–Gower term of a predator, and supposes that the predator consumes the prey according to Holling type II functional response. This dynamical system is split into two groups, namely non-delayed and delayed systems, respectively. In the non-delayed system, first, we discuss positivity, boundedness solutions, and the existence of equilibria, especially finding the coexistence of interior equilibrium points under certain conditions. After that, local and global stabilities are systematically analyzed. In addition, we obtain the conditions of Hopf-bifurcation in terms of the growth rate of prey species, prey protection and preference rate of predator for the non-delayed system. Whereas in the delayed system, both the delays have an essential role in governing the dynamical system discussed in three cases, and each case found the Hopf-bifurcation parameters for which the system changes stability behavior into instability. At last, the numerical simulations have been carried out to verify the theoretical findings.

Does mutual interference stabilize prey–predator model with Bazykin–Crowley–Martin trophic function?

We investigated a system of ordinary differential equations that describes the dynamics of prey and predator populations, taking into account the Allee effect affecting the reproduction of the predator population, and mutual interference amongst predators, which is modeled with the Bazykin–Crowley–Martin (BCM) trophic function. Bifurcation analysis revealed a rich spectrum of bifurcations occurring in the system. In particular, analytical conditions for the saddle–node, Hopf, cusp, and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations were derived for the model parameters, quantifying the strength of the predator interference, the Allee effect, and the predation efficiency. Numerical simulations verify and illustrate the analytical findings. The main purpose of the study was to test whether the mutual interference in the model with BCM trophic function provides a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on the system dynamics. The obtained results suggest that the model demonstrates qualitatively the same pattern concerning varying the interference strength as other predator-dependent models: both low and very high interference levels increase the risk of predator extinction, while moderate interference has a favorable effect on the stability and resilience of the prey–predator system.

Turing Patterns Induced by Cross-Diffusion in a Predator–Prey System with Functional Response of Holling-II Type

Turing Patterns Induced by Cross-Diffusion in a Predator–Prey System with Functional Response of Holling-II Type

Performance of five statistical methods to infer interactions among moving individuals in a predator–prey system

Abstract Rapid development of tracking technologies allow the collection of high‐quality data on multiple simultaneously moving individuals. This, in turn, initiated the development of several methods to infer interactions among moving animals. However, the performance of these methods has not been studied systematically, especially with regard to the factors that are highly relevant for field ecologists, such as duration of the tracking period, its temporal resolution and the proportion of the tracked community. Here, we assessed the performance of three dynamic interaction indices (Coefficient of sociality, Correlation coefficient and Dynamic interaction) and two novel approaches based on step selection functions (SSF‐occurrence‐distribution and SSF‐distance). We tested these methods on the data simulated with a predator–prey system, reflecting three common types of interactions while on the move: avoidance (prey individuals fleeing from the predator), attraction (predator following and chasing prey) and neutral movement (no interactions between predator and prey). We assessed the ability of each method to correctly detect the modelled interaction type by manipulating the perceptual range of the predator, the proportion of tracked prey individuals, the temporal resolution and the duration of the tracking period. We found that the ability to correctly infer interactions increased for all methods with an increase in the perceptual range of the predator and the proportion of tracked prey individuals. In contrast, the duration of the tracking period affected the methods' performance differently: some methods (Cs and SSF‐distance) were insensitive to it, whereas the performance of other methods improved (DI and SSF‐occurrence‐distribution) and worsened (Cr) with the duration of the tracking period. The three dynamic interaction indices and SSF‐distance were rather robust to changes in data resolution. Despite using the predator–prey system as our study case, our findings are applicable to other systems in which two animals on move may interact. We formulate guidelines for field ecologists studying animal movement to select the most suitable method depending on the availability of tracking devices, the duration and resolution of the tracking they can afford, as well as perceptual ranges of study species.

ECR Spotlight – Mathilde Chevallay

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Mathilde Chevallay is an author on ‘ Sealing the deal – Antarctic fur seals’ hunting tactics to capture small evasive prey revealed by miniature sonar tags’, published in JEB. Mathilde is a PhD student in the lab of Christophe Guinet and Tiphaine Jeanniard du Dot at Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, France, investigating fine-scale predator–prey interactions in diving predators of the Southern Ocean using state-of-the-art biologging devices.

Predator–Prey Interaction with Fear Effects: Stability, Bifurcation and Two-Parameter Analysis Incorporating Complex and Fractal Behavior

This study investigates the dynamics of predator–prey interactions with non-overlapping generations under the influence of fear effects, a crucial factor in ecological research. We propose a novel discrete-time model that addresses limitations of previous models by explicitly incorporating fear. Our primary question is: How does fear influence the stability of predator–prey populations and the potential for chaotic dynamics? We analyze the model to identify biologically relevant equilibria (fixed points) and determine the conditions for their stability. Bifurcation analysis reveals how changes in fear levels and predation rates can lead to population crashes (transcritical bifurcation) and complex population fluctuations (period-doubling and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations). Furthermore, we explore the potential for controlling chaotic behavior using established methods. Finally, two-parameter analysis employing Lyapunov exponents, spectrum, and Kaplan–Yorke dimension quantifies the chaotic dynamics of the proposed system across a range of fear and predation levels. Numerical simulations support the theoretical findings. This study offers valuable insights into the impact of fear on predator–prey dynamics and paves the way for further exploration of chaos control in ecological models.

Bifurcation analysis of a Filippov predator–prey model with two thresholds

Bifurcation analysis of a Filippov predator–prey model with two thresholds