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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Age-dependent Dynamics of Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Lyapunov Exponent Analysis

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.

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Basic Caenorhabditis elegans Methods: Synchronization and Observation

Basic Caenorhabditis elegans Methods: Synchronization and Observation

Published on: June 10, 2012

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.