Mathematical problems of biological competition theory in changing environment

Mathematical problems of biological competition in a periodically changing environment are considered. A selection criterion is obtained within the framework of the model scheme of Contois: for domination in a changing environment it is not sufficient to surpass (in productivity) other populations but it is necessary to surpass them with a certain reserve. By using this selection criterion, the so-called hypothesis of critical values is strictly motivated: favourable temperatures of an algae development take up position near critical values (i.e., minima or maxima) of the reservoirʹs temperature curve.