Chimera-Like Coexistence of Synchronized Oscillation and Death in an Ecological Network

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new spatiotemporal state called CSOD in ecological networks, where synchronized oscillation coexists with stable death states, revealing complex dynamics influenced by nonlocal coupling.

Contribution

It uncovers the novel CSOD state in ecological networks and explains its emergence through nonlocal interactions and coupling strength, expanding understanding of ecological synchronization phenomena.

Findings

CSOD involves coexisting synchronized oscillation and death states in ecological networks.

Two routes to CSOD are identified: from mixed amplitude chimera and death, and from global synchronization.

The study provides ecological insights into the relationship between spatial synchrony and species extinction.

Abstract

We report a novel spatiotemporal state, namely the chimera-like incongruous coexistence of {\it synchronized oscillation} and {\it stable steady state} (CSOD) in a realistic ecological network of nonlocally coupled oscillators. Unlike the {\it chimera} and {\it chimera death} state, in the CSOD state identical oscillators are self-organized into two coexisting spatially separated domains: In one domain neighboring oscillators show synchronized oscillation and in another domain the neighboring oscillators randomly populate either a synchronized oscillating state or a stable steady state (we call it a death state). We show that the interplay of nonlocality and coupling strength results in two routes to the CSOD state: One is from a coexisting mixed state of amplitude chimera and death, and another one is from a globally synchronized state. We further explore the importance of this study in ecology that gives a new insight into the relationship between spatial synchrony and global extinction of species.