Coexistence and asymptotic periodicity in a competitor–competitor–mutualist model

In this paper, the competitor–competitor–mutualist three-species Lotka–Volterra model is discussed. Firstly, by Schauder fixed point theory, the coexistence state of the strongly coupled system is given. Applying the method of upper and lower solutions and its associated monotone iterations, the true solutions are constructed. Our results show that this system possesses at least one coexistence state if cross-diffusions and cross-reactions are weak. Secondly, the existence and asymptotic behavior of T-periodic solutions for the periodic reaction–diffusion system under homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions are investigated. Sufficient conditions which guarantee the existence of T-periodic solution are also obtained. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.