The LES population model: essentials and relationship to the Lotka-Volterra model

In life science research, the Lotka-Volterra model (LVM) is considered a classical dynamic model. It has been broadly used to explain dynamic phenomena in population ecology and other life science fields. The Life Energy System model (LESM) is also a dynamic model such that, under certain conditions, it has the same mathematical forms as the Lotka-Volterra model. The origin of the LVM can be defined at the dynamic equilibrium point in the LESM domain; the coordinate of the former partitions the first quadrant of the LESM plane into four parts corresponding to four population ecological function regions: predation, competition, mutuality, and co-existence. Most research achievements on the LVM. therefore, can be introduced into a more extensive domain to explain ecological phenomena. However, the LESM is more rational in the underlying principles of construction in a broader variation definition domain and, consistent with the theory of exergy in their connotation, the latter is based on profound chemical and thermodynamic foundation, so that it may furnish richer model contents. The explanation of the LESM to be given in this paper focuses on mathematical mechanisms essential for accurate comprehension. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.