Abstract
In this paper we survey the construction of Lyapunov functions (or functionals) for various ecological models which take the form of ODE systems (or Reaction-Diffusion PDE systems). First we consider the resources-consumers type ecological models which study the competition of n microorgansims for a single limiting resource or two complementary resources in the chemostat. Next we consider the Gause-type predator-prey systems and the Lesile-type predator-prey systems. From the Lyapunov functions of the predator-prey system we construct new Lyapunov functions for three-level food chain models and one prey two predators models. Suppose a Lyapunov function is known for an ecological model which takes the form of an ODE system. Then we construct a Lyapunov functional for the corresponding reaction-diffusion PDE systems. Open problems are indicated when there is gap in the theory.