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#predator population

3 public questions tagged with this topic.

Predator Prey Model

In a system with alternate prey, predator population may:

Alternative prey can maintain or increase predator numbers even while the principal prey declines because the predator’s energy intake depends on the total accessible resource base. Generalists may switch toward the alternative, and reproduction or survival supported by that food can offset losses caused by scarcity of the main prey. In a multispecies growth equation, positive contributions from alternative prey can keep predator per-capita growth above mortality. Predator abundance is therefore neither necessarily constant nor unaffected by the main prey’s decline. This subsidy can have an im

Ref: Ecology: Concepts and Applications, Molles, 9th Ed., Ch. 14

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Predator Prey Model

In the absence of prey, predator population will:

Without prey or another usable food source, predator intake falls to zero while metabolic maintenance, mortality, and emigration continue. In the Lotka–Volterra equation dP/dt = baNP − mP, setting prey density N to zero gives dP/dt = −mP. Predator abundance then declines exponentially at rate m, assuming a closed population and no immigration. Stabilization would require replacement of deaths through feeding-supported reproduction or external subsidy, while increase is impossible under the model because prey conversion supplies the positive growth term. Oscillation also requires reciprocal fee

Ref: Ecology: Concepts and Applications, Molles, 9th Ed., Ch. 14

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Predator Prey Model

The predator population decreases over time due to:

Predator abundance depends on energy and nutrients obtained from prey. When prey decline, predators encounter food less often, reducing intake, body condition, survival, and reproductive output. Starvation and emigration can cause an immediate decrease, while reduced recruitment creates a delayed response. This lag is why predator peaks often follow prey peaks in coupled population cycles. High prey abundance ordinarily supports predator growth rather than decline, and an increased predator reproductive rate would raise population size unless outweighed by mortality. Lack of competition may re

Ref: Ecology: Concepts and Applications, Molles, 9th Ed., Ch. 14

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