Global dynamics of a generalist predator-prey model in open advective environments.

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with a system of reaction-diffusion-advection equations for a generalist predator-prey model in open advective environments, subject to an unidirectional flow. In contrast to the specialist predator-prey model, the dynamics of this system is more complex. It turns out that there exist some critical advection rates and predation rates, which classify the global dynamics of the generalist predator-prey system into three or four scenarios (1) coexistence; (2) persistence of prey only; (3) persistence of predators only; and (4) extinction of both species. Moreover, the results reveal significant differences between the specialist predator-prey system and the generalist predator-prey system, including the evolution of the critical predation rates with respect to the ratio of the flow speeds; the take-over of the generalist predator; and the reduction in parameter range for the persistence of prey species alone. These findings may have important biological implications on the invasion of generalist predators in open advective environments.