Predator numerical responses
All living organisms depend on energy to survive and reproduce. Once a predator consumes its prey, how does this energy translate into new predators? The answer depends on how much prey is available. The transformation of a prey item into new predator biomass as a function of prey density is known as the numerical response. This is difficult to measure in the field, therefore numerical responses have been largely neglected and little is known about its influence on predator-prey dynamics and communities.
In collaboration with my lab mate Kyle Coblentz, we are investigating how assumptions about the form and mechanisms of numerical responses influence predator-prey dynamics and the stability of predator-prey interactions. We are currently conducting a comprehensive literature review on numerical responses and applying differential equations to explore the consequences of numerical response assumptions.
In collaboration with my lab mate Kyle Coblentz, we are investigating how assumptions about the form and mechanisms of numerical responses influence predator-prey dynamics and the stability of predator-prey interactions. We are currently conducting a comprehensive literature review on numerical responses and applying differential equations to explore the consequences of numerical response assumptions.