In the Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model $\frac { d x } { d t } = - a x + b x y , \frac { d y } { d t } = e y - c x y$ , where $x ( t )$ is the predator population and $y ( t )$ is the prey population, the coefficient e represents which of the following:
A) the predator die-off rate
B) the prey growth rate
C) the increase in the predator population due to interactions with the prey
D) the decrease in the prey population due to interactions with the predator
E) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The coefficient $e$ in the Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model $\frac{dy}{dt} = ey - cxy$ represents the intrinsic growth rate of the prey population in the absence of predators.

In the Lotka-Volterra Predator-Prey Model dxdt=−ax+bxy,dydt=ey−cxy\frac { d x } { d t } = - a x + b x y , \frac { d y } { d t } = e y - c x ydtdx​=−ax+bxy,dtdy​=ey−cxy

In the Lotka-Volterra Predator-Prey Model $\frac { d x } { d t } = - a x + b x y , \frac { d y } { d t } = e y - c x y$