A numerical method for solving certain nonlinear integral equations arising in age-structured populations dynamics.

Abstract

In this thesis we study the existence and stability of positive equilibrium of a general model for the dynamics of several interacting, age-structured population. We begin with the formulation and proof of a global existence theorem for the initial value problem. The proof of this theorem is used to develop an algorithm and a FORTRAN code for the numerical solution of initial value problems for the single species case. This computer program is used to study prototype models for the dynamics of a population whose fertility and mortality rates exhibit an "Allee effect". This is done from a bifurcation theoretic point of view, using the inherent net reproductive rate as a bifurcating parameter. An unstable "left" bifurcation is found. Multi-equilibria and various kinds of oscillations are studied as a function of r, the fertility window, and the nature of the density dependence.