Dissipative structure: an explanation and an ecological example.

Abstract A physical explanation is given of the fact that diffusion, usually a stabilizing influence which acts with increasing intensity on perturbations of shorter wavelengths, can bring about a finite wavelength instability of a spatially uniform interaction involving two constituents. Such instabilities have been regarded as of importance in biochemical contexts. By presenting an example of their occurrence when cooperating prey interact with predators, this study suggests that diffusive instabilities should also be sought in ecological interactions.