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 c 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 $c$ in the term $-cxy$ of the prey population rate of change $\frac{dy}{dt}$ represents the decrease in the prey population due to interactions with the predator.

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 $\frac { d x } { d t } = - a x + b x y , \frac { d y } { d t } = e y - c x y$