Pattern formations driven by cyclic interactions: A brief review of recent developments

Lotka's seminal work (Lotka A. J., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 6 (1920) 410) on certain rhythmic relations is already one hundred years old, but the research activity about pattern formations due to cyclical dominance is more vibrant than ever. It is because non-transitive interactions have a paramount role on maintaining biodiversity and adequate human intervention into ecological systems requires a deeper understanding of the related dynamical processes. In this Perspective we overview different aspects of biodiversity, with focus on how it can be maintained based on mathematical modeling of the last years. We also briefly discuss the potential links to evolutionary game models of social systems, and finally, give an overview about potential prospects for future research.