| Abstract: | We have developed a conceptual mathematical model of the dynamics of a spatially heterogeneous population system, the prototype of which is the Syamozero lake fish community. Based on the analysis of solutions of the model, we show that interrelations between prey and predator populations in two neighboring habitats (pelagic and offshore zones) can lead to both undamped oscillations and stationary values of the population size. The population density was found to be close to the values oblained in the course of long-term observations of the biota of the Syamozero lake. Besides, we showed that the transition to the stationary states can be accompanied by long-term (dozens and hundreds of years) damped oscillations of the prey and predator population size. In natural waters, long-term transition periods can prevent the attainment of stationary regimes of fish community functioning. |
