9. Lotka-Volterra Competition Models

What will you learn in this lecture:

• The mathematics underlying the graphical Lotka-Volterra competition model.
• Ability to construct and interpret them and understand the conditions which lead to species exclusion and coexistence.

Enrolled students of fall 2024 should watch this lecture before October 15.

What questions should you be able to answer now?

• Why is the model outdated, yet important to learn?
• What are the variables we need to make the graphical model?
• How does the model work for different values of K and population size?

Useful links and materials:
Chapter 10 in: Krebs, Charles J. Ecology: The Experimental Analysis of Distribution and Abundance.

Featured image: Species of Paramecium (P. caudatum and P. aurelia) were used by Gause in his competition experiments. They might represent the first and ONLY definitive examples of competitive exclusion.