Environmental seasonality on predator–prey systems under nutrient and toxicant constraints. (7th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hassan, Md. Nazmul; Asik, Lale; Kulik, Jackson; Long, K.R.; Peace, Angela
• Is Part Of: Journal of theoretical biology. Volume 480(2019)
• Page Start: 71
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2019-11-07
• Subjects: Predator–prey model -- Ecological stoichiometry -- Ecotoxicology -- Seasonal carrying capacity; Biology -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biologie -- Périodiques; Theoretische biologie; Biology; Periodicals; 571.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2019.08.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5193

Abstract

Highlights: Seasonality and stoichiometric effects can have major implications on theoretical ecotoxicology. We present a seasonally varied predator-prey model subject to concurrent nutrient and toxicant stressors. The strength of seasonality can shift solutions from periodic to quasi-periodic. Models that neglect environmental seasonality may be under-predicting adverse effects of toxicity. Abstract: Bioaccumulation of toxicants in aquatic food webs can pose risks to ecosystem function and human health. Toxicant models of aquatic ecosystems can be improved by incorporating realistic environmental impacts such as nutrient availability and seasonality. It is well known that the carrying capacity of predator–prey systems can vary seasonally due to environmental cycles resulting from natural and human activities. As such, incorporating seasonal variation in the carrying capacity of a predator–prey system provides a better understanding of the underlying population dynamics bioaccumulation of toxicants. Here, we develop a seasonally varied predator–prey model subject to concurrent nutrient and toxicant stressors. We investigate the effects of seasonality on population dynamics to increase understanding of the complex governing processes of the trophic transfer of nutrients, energy, and toxicants. We observe that the strength of seasonality can shift solutions from periodic to quasi-periodic and models that neglect environmental seasonality may be under-predicting adverse effects of toxicity.