A study of a stage-structured model of two competing species

The purpose of this dissertation is to develop and study a competition model which, being capable of a wide range of population dynamics, will exhibit phenomena in multi-species interactions not seen in simpler models. We consider a structured, non-linear model of two competing species, each having three life stages. This model is based on a single-species model that has been used to demonstrate many interesting effects in population dynamics and, in particular, has been highly successful in describing and predicting the dynamics of insect populations in controlled laboratory experiments, A thorough examination of equilibria provides necessary and sufficient conditions for stability of axis equilibria, which corresponds to the extinction of one species. Applying the concept of persistence to the model, we obtain sufficient conditions under which the model is persistent with respect to the extinction states, implying indefinite coexistence of both species. Finally, we give specific examples in which the model contradicts classical (equilibrium) competition theory by showing non-equilibrium coexistence in the presence of unstable positive equilibria, stable axis equilibria, and high levels of inter-specific competition.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate College

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Edmunds, Jeffrey

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cushing, J. M.

• Mathematics.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/289978

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/289978