Effect of competition on emergent phases and phase transitions in competitive systems

Abstract

This paper considers Lotka–Volterra competitive systems characterizing laboratory experiment by Hu et al. (Science, 378:85-89, 2022). Using dynamical systems theory and projection method, we give theoretical analysis and numerical simulation on the model with four species by demonstrating equilibrium stability, periodic oscillation and chaotic fluctuation in the systems. It is shown that varying one competition strength could lead to emergent phases and phase transitions between stable full coexistence, stable partial coexistence, stable persistence of a unique species, persistent periodic oscillation, and persistent chaotic fluctuation in a smooth fashion. Here, the stronger the competition is, the less the number of stable coexisting species, or the higher the amplitude of periodic oscillation, or the more irregular the fluctuation. Our results are consistent with experimental observation and provide new insight. This work is important in understanding effect of competition on emergent phases and phase transitions in competitive systems.