Mathematical modelling on the dynamics of viral infection on the predator prey system with special emphasis on plankton ecology

Abstract

Predator-prey interplay is a central theme in ecology and evolutionary biology due newlineto its universal importance. Lotka [14] and Voltera [25] were the pioneer to investigate the newlinedynamical relationship between prey and predator populations and since then understanding newlinethe predator-prey interconnection and its complex properties become one of the principle newlineobjects of ecology. newlineUsually, the nutritional value of prey governs the feeding response of predator exposed newlineto that prey item. Some predators show exception by preferentially consuming the most newlinenumerous prey species irrespective of their nutritional value [13]. This inherent predatorial newlinetendency of being biased to the prey items based on their numerical superiority is coined newlineas the phenomenon of predator switching. To optimize the rate of energy gain, predators newlineexhibit discriminatory feeding based on the compositions and states of available resources. In newlinespecific circumstances, zooplankton show synergistic behavioral adaptations in discriminating newlinebetween toxic and non-toxic phytoplankton species [22, 23]. Zooplankton tend to move newlineagainst the gradient of dense toxic phytoplankton patch through chemotactic sensitivity newlineand reduces its intake up to the point of starvation. newline