Interactions between different predator–prey states: a method for the derivation of the functional and numerical response

In this paper we introduce a formal method for the derivation of a predator’s functional response from a system of fast state transitions of the prey or predator on a time scale during which the total prey and predator densities remain constant. Such derivation permits an explicit interpretation of the structure and parameters of the functional response in terms of individual behaviour. The same method is also used here to derive the corresponding numerical response of the predator as well as of the prey.