Sparse Interactions Reshape Ecosystem Stability
Published:Dec 27, 2025 11:33
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper addresses a crucial gap in ecological modeling by moving beyond fully connected interaction models to incorporate the sparse and structured nature of real ecosystems. The authors develop a thermodynamically exact stability phase diagram for generalized Lotka-Volterra dynamics on sparse random graphs. This is significant because it provides a more realistic and scalable framework for analyzing ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and alternative stable states, overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches and direct simulations.
Key Takeaways
- •Establishes a stability phase diagram for Lotka-Volterra dynamics on sparse random graphs.
- •Addresses the limitations of fully connected interaction models in ecological studies.
- •Uncovers a topological phase transition leading to multi-stability.
- •Provides a scalable and versatile analysis of ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
Reference
“The paper uncovers a topological phase transition--driven purely by the finite connectivity structure of the network--that leads to multi-stability.”