Evolutionary dynamics and competition stabilize three-species predator-prey communities

TL;DR

This study uses simulations to explore how predator-prey interactions and evolutionary adaptation influence biodiversity, finding that direct predator competition stabilizes three-species coexistence.

Contribution

It demonstrates that direct predator competition is essential for stable three-species predator-prey communities, highlighting the role of ecological interactions in biodiversity.

Findings

Direct predator interaction stabilizes coexistence

Evolutionary adaptation alone does not ensure stability

Indirect competition and adaptation are insufficient for stability

Abstract

We perform individual-based Monte Carlo simulations in a community consisting of two predator species competing for a single prey species, with the purpose of studying biodiversity stabilization in this simple model system. Predators are characterized with predation efficiency and death rates, to which Darwinian evolutionary adaptation is introduced. Competition for limited prey abundance drives the populations' optimization with respect to predation efficiency and death rates. We study the influence of various ecological elements on the final state, finding that both indirect competition and evolutionary adaptation are insufficient to yield a stable ecosystem. However, stable three-species coexistence is observed when direct interaction between the two predator species is implemented.