Studying how the value of a parameter effects total population is easier with these images than with a regular line graph or groups of numbers. The application of visualization techniques to a mathematical model that simulates the interaction of two species in a specified region over a period of time is investigated. A C program based on Lotka and Volterra's predator-prey model was developed. The program calculates total population of the predator and prey based on specified parameter values, using coupled equations. This predator-prey model serves as an easy introduction to differential equations and data visualization.
Differential equations give a formula for the derivative- the change in a quantity per unit time.
In this case, it is the change in a species' populations for 500 evolutions. By manipulating such parameters as birth, death, and migration rates of the predator or the prey, the population of each species over a period of time can be calculated by running the program. This data is then formatted and imported into a data file for visualization. It is then possible to render images of the oscillating population patterns of each species in an area. Using the model and these images, we were able to investigate how changes in the parameters, whether it be the birth, death, or migration rate, affected the total population of the species.