Population Dynamics and the Functional Response

In this chapter, I show how the functional response can drive predator–prey cycles (and dynamics more generally). I introduce predator–prey differential equation models and fit them to real dynamic data on classic predator–prey systems (lynx–hare and Daphnia–algae). This coupling achieves two things. First, it allows me to demonstrate that the models are capable of describing real predator–prey dynamics and that the functional response really does have a role in driving predator–prey cycles (even if it is not the driver of all cycles). Second, it allows me, from an empirically grounded starting point, to vary the parameters of the functional response to show how changes in the functional response parameters change the dynamics.