[Seminar] Beyond Lotka-Volterra: Modeling Higher-Order Interactions and Non-Equilibrium Dynamics in Ecological Communities - by BingKan Xue

Dear all, 

Biological Complexity Unit (Pigolotti Unit) would like to invite you to the following seminar: 

Speaker: BingKan Xue
University of Florida, Department of Physics

Title: Beyond Lotka-Volterra: Modeling: Higher-Order Interactions and
Non-Equilibrium Dynamics in Ecological Communities

Abstract: Lotka-Volterra models have long been used to study ecological
communities, from small ecosystems with well-defined community
structures to large disordered systems with random interactions. In this
talk, I examine two limitations of these models and explore alternative
approaches. First, Lotka-Volterra models are based on pairwise
interactions, yet species interactions can be modified by the presence
of a third species, leading to higher-order interactions. I will
demonstrate how such interaction modifications can arise from
dynamically shifting trait distributions within species, and how they
can produce unexpected outcomes even in simple community motifs. Second,
Lotka-Volterra models are based on species abundances and often focus on
steady-state behavior, whereas empirical studies typically record only
the presence or absence of species over space and time. I will introduce
an occupancy-based model, derived from the Maximum Caliber framework in
statistical physics, that is capable of capturing non-equilibrium
dynamics of meta-communities and allows inference of underlying
ecological processes from spatio-temporal species occupancy data.

Zoom link:

https://oist.zoom.us/j/99353246103?pwd=AkiTrlyNRxRxoRaAtYObSZi6EqbyZV.1

Meeting ID: 993 5324 6103
Passcode: 993154

Sincerely, 
Biological Complexity Unit