Theory 49/Predator-prey/Onset phase
Cycles Start on a Growth Ratio
The claim
A predator-prey cycle begins when the ratio of prey growth rate to predator attack rate exceeds one, allowing prey to escape control.
01Mechanism
Oscillation requires the prey to outgrow consumption at low density; the ratio sets the escape.
02Prediction
Cycles should appear above the ratio.
03Refutation
Cycles tracking predator abundance would remove prey growth.