Complex Dynamics Analysis and Chaos Control of a Fractional-Order Three-Population Food Chain Model

Abstract

The present study investigates the stability analysis and chaos control of a fractional-order three-population food chain model. Previous research has indicated that the predation relationship within a long-established predator–prey system can be influenced by factors such as the prey’s fear of the predator and its carry-over effects. This study examines the state evolution of fractional-order systems and compares their dynamic behavior with integer-order systems. By utilizing the Routh–Hurwitz condition and the stability theory of fractional differential equations, this paper establishes the local stability conditions of the model through the application of the Jacobi matrix and eigenvalue method. Furthermore, the conditions for the Hopf bifurcation generation are determined. Subsequently, chaos control techniques based on the Lyapunov stability theory are employed to stabilize the unstable trajectory at the equilibrium point. The theoretical findings are validated through numerical simulations. These results enhance our understanding of the stability properties and chaos control mechanisms in fractional-order three-population food chain models.