Modeling of a Single Species Population (F.O. D.F.Q.)

In summary, the conversation is about a student seeking help with a 7-part project involving investigating the dynamics of a fish population in a lake using a differential equation. The student is struggling with applying the principle to show that the fish population satisfies the differential equation, and has attempted to solve it using separation and partial fractions but has not been successful. The expected solution involves finding the values of k, m, and M in the equation, and the student is seeking guidance in getting on the right track.
  • #1
xilluzionsx
4
0
First off, this is a typed paper project, and I am not asking for anyone to solve my work or to give me the answers. Just please point me in the right direction or help me through any parts I am not understanding. This is also a 7 part project, and I would like help on this first problem to get the ball rolling. I have also done my research on this too.

Homework Statement


There is a fish population in a lake. By setting up a differential equation, we will investigate the dynamics of this population and show that the population will eventually approach the so called carrying capacity of the environment if the initial population is larger than a "threshold" and become extinct if it is smaller than the threshold. For the purpose of protection of this population, we will set up a scheme for fishing.

1) Denote by P(t) the fish population at time t. Assume the birth rate β(P) and the death rate δ(P) of P(t) per individual per year are given by...

β(P) = a
δ(P) = bP+(c/P)

respectively, where a, b, c are postitive constants such that a2-4bc > 0. Apply the principle

dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

to show that the P(t) satisfies the differential equation

dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m) (1)

where k = b, m = (a-√(a2-4bc))/(2b) and M = (a+√(a2-4bc))/(2b). We observe that the logistic equation is the special form of (1) when m = 0. Let the initial population at t0 be given by

P(t0)=P0

Homework Equations


They were stated above, but here they are again.

β(P) = a
δ(P) = bP+(c/P)
dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m) (1)
k = b
m = (a-√(a2-4bc))/(2b)
M = (a+√(a2-4bc))/(2b)

P(t0)=P0

The Attempt at a Solution


Well my attempt in getting is by separation...

dP/([β(P)-δ(P)]P) = dt

and then to integrate it...

∫1/([β(P)-δ(P)]P) dP = ∫ dt

and then partial fractions I thought, but it doesn't come out correct. I have also tried wolfram alpha and to check my work. I throw in the equation to be differentiated and it give me something that is sort of similar, but still far off.

Could someone please help me get on the right track here?
 
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  • #2
xilluzionsx said:
First off, this is a typed paper project, and I am not asking for anyone to solve my work or to give me the answers. Just please point me in the right direction or help me through any parts I am not understanding. This is also a 7 part project, and I would like help on this first problem to get the ball rolling. I have also done my research on this too.

Homework Statement


There is a fish population in a lake. By setting up a differential equation, we will investigate the dynamics of this population and show that the population will eventually approach the so called carrying capacity of the environment if the initial population is larger than a "threshold" and become extinct if it is smaller than the threshold. For the purpose of protection of this population, we will set up a scheme for fishing.

1) Denote by P(t) the fish population at time t. Assume the birth rate β(P) and the death rate δ(P) of P(t) per individual per year are given by...

β(P) = a
δ(P) = bP+(c/P)

respectively, where a, b, c are postitive constants such that a2-4bc > 0. Apply the principle

dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

to show that the P(t) satisfies the differential equation

dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m) (1)

where k = b, m = (a-√(a2-4bc))/(2b) and M = (a+√(a2-4bc))/(2b). We observe that the logistic equation is the special form of (1) when m = 0. Let the initial population at t0 be given by

P(t0)=P0




Homework Equations


They were stated above, but here they are again.

β(P) = a
δ(P) = bP+(c/P)
dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m) (1)
k = b
m = (a-√(a2-4bc))/(2b)
M = (a+√(a2-4bc))/(2b)

P(t0)=P0




The Attempt at a Solution


Well my attempt in getting is by separation...

dP/([β(P)-δ(P)]P) = dt

and then to integrate it...

∫1/([β(P)-δ(P)]P) dP = ∫ dt

and then partial fractions I thought, but it doesn't come out correct. I have also tried wolfram alpha and to check my work. I throw in the equation to be differentiated and it give me something that is sort of similar, but still far off.

Could someone please help me get on the right track here?

What solution P(t) do you (or Wolfram Alpha) get, and what do you expect to get? Whys do you say your soltion is "far off"?
 
  • #3
xilluzionsx said:
First off, this is a typed paper project, and I am not asking for anyone to solve my work or to give me the answers. Just please point me in the right direction or help me through any parts I am not understanding. This is also a 7 part project, and I would like help on this first problem to get the ball rolling. I have also done my research on this too.

Homework Statement


There is a fish population in a lake. By setting up a differential equation, we will investigate the dynamics of this population and show that the population will eventually approach the so called carrying capacity of the environment if the initial population is larger than a "threshold" and become extinct if it is smaller than the threshold. For the purpose of protection of this population, we will set up a scheme for fishing.

1) Denote by P(t) the fish population at time t. Assume the birth rate β(P) and the death rate δ(P) of P(t) per individual per year are given by...

β(P) = a
δ(P) = bP+(c/P)

respectively, where a, b, c are postitive constants such that a2-4bc > 0. Apply the principle

dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

to show that the P(t) satisfies the differential equation

dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m) (1)

where k = b, m = (a-√(a2-4bc))/(2b) and M = (a+√(a2-4bc))/(2b). We observe that the logistic equation is the special form of (1) when m = 0. Let the initial population at t0 be given by

P(t0)=P0




Homework Equations


They were stated above, but here they are again.

β(P) = a
δ(P) = bP+(c/P)
dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m) (1)
k = b
m = (a-√(a2-4bc))/(2b)
M = (a+√(a2-4bc))/(2b)

P(t0)=P0




The Attempt at a Solution


Well my attempt in getting is by separation...

dP/([β(P)-δ(P)]P) = dt

and then to integrate it...

∫1/([β(P)-δ(P)]P) dP = ∫ dt

and then partial fractions I thought, but it doesn't come out correct. I have also tried wolfram alpha and to check my work. I throw in the equation to be differentiated and it give me something that is sort of similar, but still far off.

Could someone please help me get on the right track here?

What solution P(t) do you (or Wolfram Alpha) get, and what do you expect to get? Whys do you say your solution is "far off"?
 
  • #4
Well the question is asking to differentiate the equation...
dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

And shouldn't it come out to be the equation...
dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m)OR am completely over thinking this problem and that I should be looking at the second equation to differentiate. And then explain how the principle...
dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P relate to the differentiable equation... ?

It would make a lot more sense if that's the case lol.
 
  • #5
xilluzionsx said:
Well the question is asking to differentiate the equation...
dP/dt = [β(P)-δ(P)]P

And shouldn't it come out to be the equation...
dP/dt = k(M-P)(P-m)

No. The question asks you to substitute the given [itex]\beta(P) = a[/itex] and [itex]\delta(P) = bP + c/P[/itex] into the equation
[tex]
\frac{dP}{dt} = (\beta(P) - \delta(P))P
[/tex]
and then to explain why the right hand side is equal to [itex]k(M - P)(P - m)[/itex] where [itex]k[/itex], [itex]M[/itex] and [itex]m[/itex] take the values given in the question.

My reading of the question is that actually solving the ODE, or at least discovering how the long-term behaviour of its solution depends on the initial population, will be done over the course of the next six parts of your project. However the present question is really more concerned with quadratic functions than calculus.
 
  • #6
So I am supposed to set the two equations equal to each other and solve for P? I'm currently doing this right now.

[itex] (a - (bP + \frac{c}{P}))P = k(M-P)(P-m)[/itex]
 
  • #7
xilluzionsx said:
So I am supposed to set the two equations equal to each other and solve for P? I'm currently doing this right now.

[itex] (a - (bP + \frac{c}{P}))P = k(M-P)(P-m)[/itex]

Yes, that is what you are supposed to do. The original rhs ##[a - (bP + c/P)]P = -c + aP - bP^2## is a quadratic in ##P##, so can be re-written as ##k(M-P)(P-m)## for some M, m and k.
 
  • #8
Solving the quadratic equation looks like so below...

[itex]\frac{dP}{dt} = -bP^{2}+aP-c[/itex]

[itex]P = \frac{-a \pm\sqrt{a^{2} - 4bc}}{-2b}[/itex]

But now I am confused since M and m are slightly different from the equation above. Am I supposed to now solve for P? Or plug in the new found equation into P? Because it seems like I am supposed to derived the differential equation that is given, correct?

In all honesty I am not sure what I am supposed to do next.

To everyone that has replied thank you for the help and thanks for anyone who replies afterwords. Just wanted to say that in case I forget.
 

1. What is the purpose of modeling a single species population?

The purpose of modeling a single species population is to study and understand the dynamics of a population over time. This can help predict future population trends and inform management and conservation efforts.

2. What factors are considered when creating a model for a single species population?

When creating a model for a single species population, factors such as birth and death rates, immigration and emigration rates, and environmental factors like resource availability and competition are considered. Other factors like disease outbreaks and natural disasters may also be taken into account.

3. What are the different types of models used for single species population modeling?

There are several types of models used for single species population modeling, including exponential growth models, logistic growth models, and density-dependent models. Other types of models include age-structured models, spatially explicit models, and individual-based models.

4. How accurate are single species population models?

The accuracy of single species population models can vary depending on the quality and availability of data used to create the model, as well as the complexity of the model itself. It is important to use multiple models and continually update and refine them to improve accuracy.

5. What are some potential applications of single species population modeling?

Single species population modeling can have many applications, such as predicting the effects of climate change on a species, determining sustainable harvest levels for a species, and informing conservation and management decisions. It can also be used to study the impacts of invasive species and the effectiveness of different management strategies.

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