Comparative dynamics analysis of simple mathematical models of the plankton communities considering various types of response function

The paper proposes a two-component discrete-time model of the plankton community, taking into account features of the development and interaction of phytoplankton and zooplankton. To describe the interaction between these species and to compare the system dynamics, we use the following set of response functions: type II and III Holling function and the Arditi–Ginzburg response function, each of which describes trophic interactions between phytoplankton and zooplankton. An analytical and numerical study of the model proposed is made. The analysis shows that the variation of trophic functions does not change the dynamic behavior of the model fundamentally. The stability loss of nontrivial fixed point corresponding to the coexistence of phytoplankton and zooplankton can occur through a cascade of period-doubling bifurcations and according to the Neimark–Saker scenario, which allows us to observe the appearance of long-period oscillations representing the alternation of peaks and reduction in the number of species as a result of the predator-prey interaction. As well, the model has multistability areas, where a variation in initial conditions with the unchanged values of all model parameters can result in a shift of the current dynamic mode. Each of the models is shown to demonstrate conditional coexistence when a variation of the current community structure can lead to the extinction of the entire community or its part. Considering the characteristics of the species composition, the model with the type II Holling function seems a more suitable for describing the dynamics of the plankton community. Such a system is consistent with the idea that phytoplankton is a fast variable and predator dynamics is slow; thus, long-period fluctuations occur at high phytoplankton growth rates and low zooplankton ones. The model with the Arditi–Ginzburg functional response demonstrates quasi-periodic fluctuations in a narrow parametric aria with a high predator growth rate and low prey growth rate. The quasi-periodic dynamics regions in the model with the Holling type III functional response correspond to the conception of fast and slow variables, however in this case, the stability of the system increases, and the Neimark-Sacker bifurcation occurs even at a higher growth rate of zooplankton.