Phase space is the n-dimensional coordinate system within which all possible states of a system composed of n dynamic variables resides. In the case of a system composed of two dynamic variables, such as a prey and a predator, the system can be described in two-dimensional phase space, or the graph of predator numbers or biomass plotted against prey numbers or biomass. Within this phase space, the dynamics of the system are depicted by the trajectory of coordinates joined by lines called vectors. When all vectors of a dynamic trajectory are plotted in phase space, a phase portrait is obtained.

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