In the basic Lotka-Volterra equations that describe predator-prey interactions,the growth rate of the prey population (dNprey/dt)is zero when the density of predators (Nprey)is equal to
A)r/N.
B)N/r.
C)r/c.
D)c/r.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Lotka-Volterra equations, the growth rate of the prey population is given by dNprey/dt = rNprey - cNpreyNpredator, where r is the intrinsic rate of increase of the prey, c is the predation rate coefficient, Nprey is the prey population, and Npredator is the predator population. Setting dNprey/dt to zero for equilibrium (no change in prey population size over time) and solving for Npredator gives Npredator = r/c. This indicates that the density of predators that will result in a zero growth rate of the prey population is equal to r/c.

In the Basic Lotka-Volterra Equations That Describe Predator-Prey Interactions,the Growth