Final answer:
The Lotka-Volterra model for predator-prey relationships uses two differential equations to describe the change in population sizes of prey and predators.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equations of the Lotka-Volterra model describe the change in population sizes of prey and predators in a predator-prey relationship. The model consists of two differential equations:
- The equation for the prey population: "dP/dt = rP - aPQ", where dP/dt represents the rate of change of prey population, r represents the prey's intrinsic growth rate, P represents the prey population size, a represents the predation rate, and Q represents the predator population size.
- The equation for the predator population: "dQ/dt = -mQ + baPQ", where dQ/dt represents the rate of change of predator population, m represents the predator's intrinsic mortality rate, b represents the conversion efficiency of prey to predator offspring, and Q represents the predator population size.
Overall, these equations describe how the prey population grows and declines based on its own growth rate and predation, and how the predator population grows and declines based on its own mortality rate and the availability of prey.