Noncommutative phase-space Lotka-Volterra dynamics: The quantum analog

The Lotka-Volterra (LV) dynamics is investigated in the framework of the Weyl-Wigner (WW) quantum mechanics extended to one-dimensional Hamiltonian systems, H(x, k) constrained by the partial derivative H-2/partial derivative x partial derivative k = 0 condition. Supported by the Heisenberg-Weyl noncommutative algebra, where [x, k] = i, the canonical variables x and k are interpreted in terms of the LV variables, y = e(-x) and z = e(-k), eventually associated with the number of individuals in a closed competitive dynamics: the so-called prey-predator system. The WW framework provides the ground for identifying how classical and quantum evolution coexist at different scales and for quantifying quantum analog effects. Through the results from the associated Wigner currents, (non-)Liouvillian and stationary properties are described for thermodynamic and Gaussian quantum ensembles in order to account for the corrections due to quantum features over the classical phase-space pattern yielded by the Hamiltonian description of the LV dynamics. In particular, for Gaussian statistical ensembles, the Wigner flow framework provides the exact profile for the quantum modifications over the classical LV phase-space trajectories so that Gaussian quantum ensembles can be interpreted as an adequate Hilbert space state configuration for comparing quantum and classical regimes. The generality of the framework developed here extends the boundaries of the understanding of quantumlike effects on competitive microscopical biosystems.

Automated summary

The study investigates the Lotka-Volterra dynamics within the framework of Weyl-Wigner quantum mechanics. The research finds that the variables in LV dynamics can be interpreted as canonical variables in quantum mechanics, allowing for the understanding of the changes in the number of individuals in a prey-predator system. The results provide insights into how classical and quantum evolution coexist and offer a quantification of quantum analog effects.