Modeling Active Group Defense Mechanisms In Prey-Predator Interactions

Abstract

This article focuses on the study of active group defense in prey, where they defend themselves against attacking predators as a group. The aim of this paper is to create a mathematical model to examine the functional response resulting from active group defense. The model integrates a mechanism involving the joining and separation of prey individuals in response to attacks. The formation of defense clusters occurs as a result, with the attacking predator acting as the central point of cohesion. The study also takes into account the metabolic costs of defense, which can reduce the growth rate of the prey population. The study also investigates the conditions under which the prey can successfully defend itself against the predator and how this affects the stability of the system. Overall, this study provides a deeper understanding of the relationships between predators and prey, and the factors that influence their dynamics. Conventional predator-prey research often overlooks the dynamic coagulation and fragmentation processes involved in collective prey defense. This novel study introduces a unique perspective, shedding light on how prey species unite against predators. The manuscript’s originality lies in its exploration of coagulation and fragmentation as crucial to unraveling prey defense strategies. A mathematical model is introduced, delving into these processes and unveiling an unexplored facet of predatorprey interactions. The findings enhance our understanding of collaborative prey defense mechanisms and hold broader applications, amplifying the significance of this research.

Keywords

• defense mechanism
• coagulation
• fragmentation
• clusters
• geritz and gyllenberg model