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Starvation-recovery dynamics: insights via a nutritional state-structured model
AIMS Mathematics 2025, 10(11): 26418-26445
Published: 17 November 2025
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This paper presents a nutritional state-structured model (NSM) to explore the dynamics of starvation and recovery in consumer-resource systems, focusing on full consumers ( F), hungry consumers ( H), and resources ( R). The model employs a system of differential equations to capture ecological processes such as reproduction, starvation, and resource regeneration. Through bifurcation analysis, we identified critical thresholds, notably the starvation rate ( σ) relative to the reproduction rate ( λ), that dictate system stability, transitioning between extinction and coexistence equilibria. Parameter sensitive and numerical simulations revealed how parameter variations influence population persistence and resource sustainability, with σ > λ promoting balanced ecosystems and λ > σ leading to potential overexploitation. The analogue of the basic reproduction number ( R e ) was derived using the next-generation matrix method, providing insights into the invasion dynamics and stability conditions of the system. This framework serves as a robust tool for analyzing eco-evolutionary interactions and assessing population persistence under resource-limited conditions. Finally, we demonstrated how higher fat reserves enhance competitive advantage, thereby driving the evolutionary trend toward larger body sizes as predicted by Cope's rule.

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