12.6: Independent carrying capacities
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Self-limitation or self-enhancement of population growth are within the \(r\,+\,sN\) framework. Below these terms are in red.
\(\frac{1}{N_1}\frac{dN_1}{dt}\,=\,r_1\,s_{1,2}N_2\,\color{red}{+\,s_{1,1}N_1}\)
\(\frac{1}{N_2}\frac{dN_2}{dt}\,=\,r_2\,s_{2,1}N_1\,\color{red}{+\,s_{2,2}N_2}\)
The self-feedback term for the prey, \(s_{1,1}\), is typically negative, reflecting a carrying capacity for the prey in the absence of predators, \(K_1\,=\,-r_1\,/\,s_{1,1}\). This tends to stabilize the system, dampening oscillations and leading to a joint equilibrium of predator and prey.
On the other hand, the self-feedback term for the predator, \(s_{2,2}\), is typically zero, meaning the predators vanish in the absence of prey. But it could be positive, indicating benefits from group hunting and the like. A positive value for \(s_{2,2}\) tends to destabilize the system, leading to enlarging oscillations.