An analysis of models describing predator-prey interaction

Mathematical models of the interaction between predator and host populations have been expressed as systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Solutions of such systems may be periodic or aperiodic. Periodic, oscillatory solutions may depend on the initial conditions of the system or may be limit cycles. Aperiodic solutions can, but do not necessarily, exhibit oscillatory behavior. Therefore, it is important to characterize predatory-prey models on the basis of the possible types of solutions they may possess. This characterization can be accomplished using some well-known methods of nonlinear analysis. Examination of the system singular points and inspection of phase plane portraits have proved to be useful techniques for evaluating the effect of various modifications of early predator-prey models. Of particular interest is the existence of limit cycle oscillations in a model in which predator growth rate is a function of the concentration of prey.