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Competition modes determine ecosystem stability in rock–paper–scissors games

Zhang, Zeyu, Bearup, Daniel, Guo, Guanming, Zhang, Helin, Liao, Jinbao (2022) Competition modes determine ecosystem stability in rock–paper–scissors games. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, . Article Number 128176. ISSN 0378-4371. E-ISSN 1873-2119. (doi:10.1016/j.physa.2022.128176) (KAR id:96910)

Abstract

Identification of the mechanisms which permit ecological communities to maintain high levels of biodiversity is of both theoretical interest and practical importance. Intransitive competition, in which there is no single superior competitor, is known to play an important role in this problem. In this study, we undertake a systematic comparative analysis of how different competition modes and ranges affect community stability in paper-rock-scissors games. We confirm that short-ranged interactions, in combination with cyclic competition, permits relatively stable coexistence. However, in contrast to previous studies, we show that long-range interactions can also produce stable communities. This stability emerges when competition interactions create asymmetries in the opportunities for population growth depending on the abundance of the species. Our findings demonstrate that small differences in the way species compete can qualitatively change dynamic behaviors of the system, and therefore emphasize the importance of correctly identifying these competition modes when designing conservation actions.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.physa.2022.128176
Uncontrolled keywords: Cyclically competing ecosystems, Negative frequency dependence (NFD), Interaction modes, Interaction range, Symmetric and asymmetric competition
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science
Depositing User: Daniel Bearup
Date Deposited: 14 Sep 2022 14:05 UTC
Last Modified: 12 Sep 2023 23:00 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/96910 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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