A mathematical model and computer simulations of the interactions between microbes

Studies a nutrient-prey-predator model with internal storage of nutrient by using computer simulations. The prey feeds on the nutrient and the predator feeds on the prey in such a way that there exists a toxic level beyond which the nutrient has a negative effect on the prey. It is found that if the total nutrient level is less than or equal to the toxic level, the dynamics of the model is parallel to that found in the mathematical analysis. However, if the total nutrient level is greater than the toxic level, the dynamics of the system is much more complicated. In some cases, both species can become extinct.