Some elementary mechanisms for critical transitions and hysteresis in simple predator prey models

TL;DR

This paper explores how adding trait-mediated effects to predator-prey models can induce critical transitions and hysteresis, enhancing understanding of ecological dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel modification to classical predator-prey models by incorporating trait-mediated effects on prey carrying capacity, revealing new dynamic behaviors.

Findings

Identification of critical transitions in modified models

Demonstration of hysteresis zones due to trait effects

Enhanced model realism for ecological systems

Abstract

Trait-mediated indirect effects are increasingly acknowledged as important components in the dynamics of ecological systems. The hamiltonian form of the LV equations is traditionally modified by adding density dependence to the prey variable and functional response to the predator variable. Enriching these non-linear elements with a trait-mediation added to the carrying capacity of the prey creates the dynamics of critical transitions and hysteretic zones.