Implications of spatial heterogeneity for the paradox of enrichment.

We analyze a simple model to show that spatial heterogeneity of zooplankton can explain discrepancies between the behavior of classical predator-prey models and the patterns observed in natural planktonic systems. We use a Lotka-Volterra type model of Daphnia and algae. Daphnia occupies only part of a total volume whereas the algae grow in the entire volume and diffuse between the two compartments. This simple spatial structure suffices to explain the observations that (1) natural Daphnia-algae systems tend to be relatively stable up to high nutrient values, and that (2) in the presence of Daphnia edible algae do increase with enrichment. Additionally, the model trivially explains confusing ...

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