Modelling Biological Populations in Space and Time (Cambridge Studies in Mathematical Biology, Series Number 11)

This volume develops a unifying approach to population studies that emphasizes the interplay between modeling and experimentation and that will provide mathematicians and biologists with a framework within which population dynamics can be fully explored and understood. A unique feature of the book is that deterministic and stochastic models are considered together; spatial effects are investigated by developing models that highlight the consequences that geographical restriction and species mobility may have on population development. Model-based simulations of processes are used to explore hitherto unforeseen features and thereby suggest further profitable lines of both experimentation and theoretical study. Most aspects of population dynamics are covered, including birth-death and logistic processes, competition and predator-prey relationships, chaos, reaction time delays, fluctuating environments, spatial systems, velocities of spread, epidemics, and spatial branching structures. "This volume aims to develop a unifying approach to population studies which emphasises the interplay between modelling and experimentation. The aim throughout is to provide biologists and mathematicians with a framework within which population dynamics can be fully explored and understood." "Deterministic and stochastic models are considered together; spatial effects are investigated by developing models which highlight the consequences that geographical restriction and species mobility may have on population development. Model-based simulations of processes are used to explore hitherto unforeseen features and thereby suggest further profitable lines of both experimentation and theoretical study. Most aspects of population dynamics are covered, including birth -- death and logistic processes, competition and predator -- prey relationships, chaos, reaction time-delays, fluctuating environments, spatial systems, velocities of spread, epidemics, and spatial branching structures. All of these topics are accessible to students and researchers in biology and mathematics alike. While the more theoretically orientated sections will appeal principally to mathematical biologists, the material is presented in such a way that readers with virtually no mathematical expertise can bypass these without losing the main flow of the text." "The volume is suitable for postgraduates and advanced undergraduates of biology (population dynamics) and mathematics (modelling and applied stochastic processes), and all research scientists with a professional interest in mathematical modelling of population dynamics. Book jacket."--BOOK JACKET This volume develops a unifying approach to population studies, emphasising the interplay between modelling and experimentation. Throughout, mathematicians and biologists are provided with a framework within which population dynamics can be fully explored and understood. Aspects of population dynamics covered include birth-death and logistic processes, competition and predator-prey relationships, chaos, reaction time-delays, fluctuating environments, spatial systems, velocities of spread, epidemics, and spatial branching structures. Both deterministic and stochastic models are considered. Whilst the more theoretically orientated sections will appeal to mathematical biologists, the material is presented so that readers with little mathematical expertise can bypass these without losing the main flow of the text. frontmatter CONTENTS dedication Preface 1 Introductory remarks 2 Simple birth—death processes 3 General birth—death processes 4 General birth—death processes 5 General birth—death processes 6 General birth—death processes 7 General birth—death processes 8 General birth—death processes 9 Spatial population dynamics 10 Epidemic processes 11 Linear and branching architectures References Author index SUBJECT INDEX

this Volume Unifies Population Studies Emphasising The Interplay Between Modelling And Experimentation.