When a Zero Isocline is Used in a Lotka-Volterra Predator-Prey

Question

When a zero isocline is used in a Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model,it will show that
A) Predator and prey populations are independent
B) Predator and prey populations depend on parasites
C) Predator and prey populations are mutually exclusive
D) Predator and prey populations are linked, with predator abundance tracking that of the prey

Accepted Answer

A zero isocline represents the set of population values where the population growth rate is zero. In a Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model, the zero isocline for the prey population represents the population size at which the predator population growth rate is zero. When the prey population size is below this value, the predator population will decline, and vice versa. Therefore, a zero isocline indicates that the predator and prey populations are linked, with predator abundance tracking that of the prey. Option A is incorrect because the populations are not independent. Option B is incorrect because the model only considers predator-prey interactions. Option C is incorrect because the populations are not mutually exclusive.