Random evolutionary dynamics in predator–prey systems yields large, clustered ecosystems

Abstract

We study the effect of introducing new species through evolution into communities. We use the setting of predator–prey systems. Predator–prey dynamics is classically well modeled by Lotka–Volterra (LV) equations, also when multiple predator and prey species co-exist. We use a stochastic method to introduce new species in a two-trophic LV system. We find that introducing random evolving species leads to robust ecosystems in which large numbers of species coexist. Crucially, in these large ecosystems an emergent clustering of species is observed, tying functional differences to phylogenetic history.