Asymmetrical resource competition in aquatic producers: Constant cell quota versus variable cell quota

In a shallow aquatic environment, a mathematical model with variable cell quota is proposed to characterize asymmetric resource competition for light and nutrients among aquatic producers. We investigate the dynamics of asymmetric competition models with constant and variable cell quotas and obtain the basic ecological reproductive indexes for aquatic producer invasions. The similarities and differences between the two types of cell quotas for dynamical properties and influences on asymmetric resource competition are explored through theoretical and numerical analysis. These results contribute to further revealing the role of constant and variable cell quotas in aquatic ecosystems.