9.2) The Model Equations

The predator-prey model describes the interaction of a biological system where there are two interacting populations: the prey and the predators. The complete system is described by two first order, non-linear differential equations:

The two populations are represented by the variables R and C, where R are the prey and C are the predators. These equations define the growth rates of these populations as being determined by two terms each, with a scaling coefficient for each term.

• Prey:
  Grow exponentially in the absence of predators, growth is limited by interaction
• Predator:
  Decline exponentially in the absence of prey, growth is promoted by interaction