On the Dynamic Consistency of a Discrete Predator-Prey Model

Abstract

We here discretize a predator-prey model by standard Euler forward method and non-standard finite difference method and then compare their dynamic properties with the corresponding continuous-time model. We show that NSFD model preserves positivity of solutions and is completely consistent with the dynamics of the corresponding continuous-time model. On the other hand, the discrete model formulated by forward Euler method does not show dynamic consistency with its continuous counterpart. Rather it shows scheme--dependent instability when step--size restriction is violated.