Simple predator–prey interactions control dynamics in a plankton food web model

Roger Cropp and John Norbury

Ecological Modelling, 2009, vol. 220, issue 13, 1552-1565

Abstract: A plankton food web model is analysed using interaction parameter values appropriate to the upper mixed layer of the high latitude oceans. The dynamics of this four-variable system are analysed in terms of the dynamics of much simpler two-variable predator–prey subsystems. Thus, the food web's robust, periodic, four-dimensional dynamics are explained by means of two-dimensional spirals and limit cycles. These dynamical subsystems are coupled by means of an omnivore that transfers control of the dynamics between the two predator–prey subsystems. The food web may substantially decouple the predator–prey subsystems so that the oscillating phytoplankton/zooplankton blooms exhibit population collapses when bacterial ‘breathers’ briefly dominate after growing dramatically from low background levels. This regular bloom/breather behaviour becomes benignly chaotic when the system is mildly forced by the annual cycle of the sun's irradiance.

Keywords: Plankton modelling; Population dynamics; Kolmogorov systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:220:y:2009:i:13:p:1552-1565

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2009.04.003

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