ABSTRACT
First, the global dynamics of a basic model of the chemostat in which n populations of microorganisms compete exploitatively for a single, essential, nonreproducing, growth-limiting nutrient, supplied at a constant input rate is discussed. What is known in the case that the species specific death rates are assumed to be negligible compared to the dilution rate, is summarized. Then, an open problem in the case that these death rates are not necessarily insignificant is described.
