PREY SWITCHING IN PREDATOR-PREY SYSTEMS

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Frequency-dependent prey switching: predators preferentially attack the more abundant prey species. Attack rate α_i ∝ N_i^ν / Σ N_j^ν (power-law switching). High ν → strong switching → stabilizes coexistence by protecting rare species. This is an Apostatic selection mechanism. Without switching (ν=1, proportional), competitive exclusion may occur. With strong switching (ν>1), both prey coexist stably.