Influence of Spatial Dispersal among Species in a Prey–Predator Model with Miniature Predator Groups

Abstract

Dispersal among species is an important factor that can govern the prey–predator model’s dynamics and cause a variety of spatial structures on a geographical scale. These structures form when passive diffusion interacts with the reaction part of the reaction–diffusion system in such a way that even if the reaction lacks symmetry-breaking capabilities, diffusion can destabilize the symmetry and allow the system to have them. In this article, we look at how dispersal affects the prey–predator model with a Hassell–Varley-type functional response when predators do not form tight groups. By considering linear stability, the temporal stability of the model and the conditions for Hopf bifurcation at feasible equilibrium are derived. We explored spatial stability in the presence of diffusion and developed the criterion for diffusion-driven instability. Using amplitude equations, we then investigated the selection of Turing patterns around the Turing bifurcation threshold. The examination of the stability of these amplitude equations led to the discovery of numerous Turing patterns. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to validate the outcomes of the analysis. The outcomes of the theoretical study and numerical simulation were accorded. Our findings demonstrate that spatial patterns are sensitive to dispersal and predator death rates.

Keywords

• prey–predator model
• Hassell–Varley functional response
• diffusion-driven instability
• weakly nonlinear analysis
• Turing patterns