Discrete Dynamics of a Phytoplankton-Zooplankton Model with Toxin-Mediated Interactions

Abstract: We investigate the dynamics of a discrete phytoplankton-zooplankton model incorporating Holling type~III predation and Holling type~II toxin release. The existence and stability of positive fixed points are analyzed, and it is shown that when two such points, $E_1$ and $E_2$, exist, $E_2$ is always a saddle. A Neimark-Sacker bifurcation at $E_1$ is verified using the normal form method, indicating the emergence of closed invariant curves. This bifurcation implies that phytoplankton and zooplankton populations may exhibit sustained periodic oscillations, which could correspond to natural plankton bloom cycles. The global stability of the boundary equilibrium $(1,0)$ is also established. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate and confirm the theoretical findings.