Role reversal in a tri-trophic prey-predator interaction system: A model-based study through the deterministic and stochastic approaches

Abstract It is frequently observed that the adult family of the prey species sometimes shows their predation mechanism on the juvenile member from the predator family. Ecological literature describes this phenomenon as the prey-predator role reversal dynamics. Numerous authors have witnessed and explained the biological development behind this feeding behavior. But, we have hardly found the literature to illustrate the role reversal dynamics in a precise way. In this regard, we formulate an ecological model using the standard prey-predator interactions allowing the reverse feeding mechanism. The mathematical model consists of a three-species food web structure with the common prey, intermediate, and top predator. Note that the role reversal mechanism is observed between the intermediate and top predator on the scarcity of the prey population. However, we are able to recognize the most critical parameters with their significant effect on this reverse feeding behavior. The bifurcation analysis is the major yardstick behind this identification. The proposed deterministic model is then extended to its stochastic analog by allowing the environmental influences on the tri-trophic food web structure. The stochastic setup analysis also supports the stability of this food chain structure with some restricted conditions.