Timing effects in insect-plant interactions

The timing of insect damage may have a large effect on plant development. In this simulation of a fictitious plant-insect system, both plants have exactly the same growth rules and no compensation for damage. Both insects cause damage of the same type at the same rate but the one on the left starts earlier and has a greater effect on its host plant.

This model was originally developed by Dr Prusinkiewicz of the University of Calgary.

Last updated: Jim Hanan, 19 June 1997.