A digital computer simulation of a six—species ecological system is reported. The mass—action (Lotka—Volterra) mechanism is used as a starting point, with modifications as required by ecological reality; the computer program used permits description of the system in terms of species and their interactions, without requiring manipulation of differential equations. The behavior of the simulated system is in good general agreement with reality, and some testable hypothesis have been found. Properties of the system include: the total amount of protoplasm in the system determines the highest level predator it will support; two species cannot simultaneously occupy the same food—chain position; important stabilizing influences include sufficient predator populations and negative feedback controls on reproduction; ecological systems may have distinctive time cycle lengths, resistant to perturbation. See full-text article at JSTOR
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Garfinkel et al. (1964) studied this question.