Stability of ecological communities with antagonistic interactions
Date
2020-03
Authors
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.
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