Dynamics of a two-prey–one-predator system with predator switching regulated by a catabolic repression control-like mode

The strategy of alternative prey (switching), regulated by a catabolic repression control-like (CRCL) mode, in which the desirable prey acts as repressor on the predatorʹs attack on the alternative prey, was studied in a two-prey–one-predator chemostat system. In this system, alternative prey has to survive predation and competition for nutrients from the desirable prey. Therefore, when the alternative prey has no competitive advantage for the common substrate over the desirable prey, its survival depends on the protection offered by the desirable prey via CRCL. In this case, CRCL allows the coexistence of both desirable and alternative prey and predator populations. However, when the alternative prey has the competitive advantage over the desirable prey, CRCL negatively affects both the state of survival of the desirable prey and the coexistence state.