Stability of ecological communities with antagonistic interactions

Date
2020-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Stability of large ecological systems has been a focus of theoretical ecology for more than 40 years. Here I review the stability criteria for large communities with antagonistic interactions. I show how dispersal can affect the stability of these interactions using eigenvalues distribution in the complex plane. I further consider a more realistic model, in particular, the logistic population growth with Holling type II functional response and their effect on community stability. I conclude by enumerating basic dynamical characteristics whose properties bring a clear understanding on how stability of large antagonistic ecological networks can be improved. My results highlight that dispersal and density dependence are stabilising while Holling type II functional response is destabilising.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.
Keywords
Ecological systems -- Mathematical models, Eigenvalues, Biotic communities -- Mathematical models, Logistic distribution, Functional response, Antagonistic ecological networks -- Mathematical models, UCTD
Citation