Abstract
The intraspecific interference of a top-predator is incorporated into a classical mathematical model for three-trophic food chains. All chaos types known to the classical model are shown to exist for this comprehensive model. It is further demonstrated that if the top-predator reproduces at high efficiency, then all chaotic dynamics will change to a stable coexisting equilibrium, a novel property not found in the classical model. This finding gives a mechanistic explanation to the question of why food chain chaos is rare in the field. It also suggests that high reproductive efficiency of top-predators tends to stabilize food chains.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 043125 |
Journal | Chaos |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
- Mathematical Physics
- General Physics and Astronomy
- Applied Mathematics