The generation mechanism of Turing-pattern in a Tree-grass competition model with cross diffusion and time delay

Abstract

In this paper, we study the general mechanism of Turing-pattern in a tree-grass competition model with cross diffusion and time delay. The properties of four equilibrium points, the existence of Hopf bifurcation and the sufficient conditions for Turing instability caused by cross-diffusion are analyzed, respectively. The amplitude equation of tree-grass competition model is derived by using multi-scale analysis method, and its nonlinear stability is studied. The sensitivity analysis also verified that fire frequency plays a key role in tree-grass coexistence equilibrium. Finally, the Turing pattern of tree-grass model obtained by numerical simulation is consistent with the spatial structure of tree-grass density distribution observed in Hulunbuir grassland, China.

Keywords

• tree-grass model
• turing instability
• cross-diffusion
• amplitude equation
• pattern