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A mathematical model for the temporal pattern of a population structure, with particular reference to the flour beetle

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Abstract

Equations are derived to represent the time course of the population numbers of the various stages of the flour beetle. The assumption of constant duration of the life stages and the absence of delayed effects leads to equations from which the various population numbers can be calculated in terms of the parameters of the system. Formulae are given for the estimation of many of the latter from observations on population numbers. Calculations show that the principal features of the observed changes in population structure can be accounted for on the basis of a simple model in which it is further assumed that each interaction is proportional to the product of the numbers of the two given interacting stages. A more detailed analysis may require secondary interaction coefficients. Suggestions for estimation of such coefficients are given.

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Literature

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Chicago, Committee on Mathematical Biology, USA

    H. D. Landahl

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  1. H. D. Landahl
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Landahl, H.D. A mathematical model for the temporal pattern of a population structure, with particular reference to the flour beetle. Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics 17, 63–77 (1955). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481839

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481839

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