A reconciliation of simple and complex models of age-dependent predation

Predation intensity often varies with prey age or development stage. Several theoretical studies have considered what effect such age-dependent predation has on the stability of predator-prey interactions. The simple models suggest its effect is typically stabilizing; more complex models suggest otherwise. Current theory is therefore divided on this issue. Here I show that the conclusion of previous studies of simple models is due to biologically extreme restrictions on certain parameter values. When these are relaxed, age-dependent predation becomes equally capable of a stabilizing or destabilizing effect, just as in more complex models. Specific conditions favoring each effect are identified and discussed.