The Lotka-Volterra Predator-Prey Model with Disturbance

Abstract

The forces which drive growth, development, survival and change within an ecological system involving a predator and prey specie are not easily addressed in the field. To better understand the dynamics in the system, ecologists have turned to mathematical models. The predator-prey dynamics of rat and cat population in a given ecology is studied. The mathematical model proposed by Alfred J. Lotka and Vito Volterra called the Lotka-Volterra model for studying predator-prey dynamics is utilized. Assumptions were made to suit the given ecology. These assumptions lead to the modification of the Lotka-Volterra equations. The equilibrium and stability properties of the modified model is established. Results were simulated using MATLAB.