Stability and Bifurcation Analysis in a Predator–Prey Model with Age Structure and Two Delays

Abstract

In this paper, a predator–prey model with age structure, Beddington–DeAngelis functional response and time delays is considered. Using a geometric method for studying transcendental equation with two delays, we conduct detailed analysis on the distribution of the roots for the characteristic equation of the model. Then, applying the integrated semigroup theory and the Hopf bifurcation theorem for an abstract Cauchy problem within a nondense domain, we proved the existence of Hopf bifurcation for the model. Stability switches can also occur, as the two time delays pass through a continuous curve in the parameter plane. To illustrate the theoretical results, numerical simulations are presented.