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Age-dependent Dynamics of Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Lyapunov Exponent Analysis
Published on: September 23, 2025
Species mobility induces synchronization in chaotic population dynamics.
N Kouvaris1, D Kugiumtzis, A Provata
1Institute of Physical Chemistry, National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos, G-15310 Athens, Greece. nkoub@chem.demokritos.gr
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|November 9, 2011
Summary
This study proposes a population dynamics model to explore synchronization transitions. Spatial factors and mixing probability critically influence species survival and lead to abrupt synchronization via phase slips.
Area of Science:
- Theoretical Ecology
- Complex Systems Dynamics
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- Population dynamics models are crucial for understanding ecological interactions.
- Synchronization phenomena in ecological systems are complex and influenced by various factors.
- Cyclic domination and spatial structures can significantly alter population behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a prototype population dynamics model for studying the transition to synchronization.
- To investigate the effects of spatial restrictions and stochasticity on population dynamics.
- To identify the key parameters controlling synchronization in ecological models.
Main Methods:
- Developed a population dynamics model with four species and empty sites, incorporating cyclic domination.
- Analyzed the model at the mean-field level to observe quasiperiodicity and chaos.
- Simulated the model on a square lattice to assess the impact of spatial restrictions and stochasticity.
- Introduced long-distance exchange with a mixing probability to study steady states and synchronization.
Main Results:
- Mean-field dynamics exhibit quasiperiodicity and chaos based on parameter values.
- Spatial restrictions and stochasticity on a lattice lead to lattice poisoning, with only some species surviving.
- Nontrivial oscillatory steady states emerge with long-distance exchange and gradual mixing.
- Mixing probability controls an abrupt transition to synchronization through a phase slip scenario.
- Intermittency crisis observed near the transition, with decreasing phase slip frequency.
Conclusions:
- Spatial structure and stochasticity fundamentally alter population dynamics compared to mean-field predictions.
- Gradual mixing probability is a critical factor in achieving synchronized states in ecological models.
- The transition to synchronization is abrupt and characterized by phase slips and intermittency crises.
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