An evolutionary theory model using Lotka−Volterra equations

Abstract

Ecosystems, influenced by a large number of factors, are in constant evolution. Climate, seasonal changes and anthropogenic interactions, for example, can induce changes that play a fundamental role while studying an ecosystem’s stability. Evolution, on the other hand, is a fundamental feature of ecosystems’ dynamics, as the appearance of fitter species may drastically alter how species interact with each other, which, consequently, may induce relevant changes in the ecosystem’s composition and structure. We propose a simple evolutionary model using the generalized Lotka−Volterra equations, and compare analytical results in the steady state with results obtained by simulating a competitive two species system altered by the presence of a new evolved species