An Introduction to Structured Population Dynamics by J. M. Cushing

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Synopsis

A clear introduction to the field and its applications. Interest in the temporal fluctuations of biological populations can be traced to the dawn of civilization. How can mathematics be used to gain an understanding of population dynamics? This monograph introduces the theory of structured population dynamics and its applications, focusing on the asymptotic dynamics of deterministic models. This theory bridges the gap between the characteristics of individual organisms in a population and the dynamics of the total population as a whole. In this monograph, many applications that illustrate both the theory and a wide variety of biological issues are given, along with an interdisciplinary case study that illustrates the connection of models with the data and the experimental documentation of model predictions. The author also discusses the use of discrete and continuous models and presents a general modeling theory for structured population dynamics.

Cushing begins with an obvious point: individuals in biological populations differ with regard to their physical and behavioral characteristics and therefore in the way they interact with their environment. Studying this point effectively requires the use of structured models. Specific examples cited throughout support the valuable use of structured models. Included among these are important applications chosen to illustrate both the mathematical theories and biological problems that have received attention in recent literature. Active researchers, graduate students, and advanced undergraduate students interested in an introduction to the mathematics of population dynamics will benefit most from this book.

J. M. Cushing is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and the Interdisciplinary Program on Applied Mathematics at the University of Arizona. He has published over 100 articles in professional journals.
— Vickie Kearn (kearn@siam.org), the Publisher

Booknews

Introduces researchers, graduates, and advanced undergraduates to the mathematics of population dynamics. Explains the theory of structured population dynamics and its applications, focusing on the symptotic dynamics of deterministic models. Bridges the gap between description of the characteristics of individual organisms in a population and of the dynamics of the total population as a whole. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.