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Stochastic models in ecology: competition between species in a variable environment
Student-Run Research Seminar| Speaker: | Prof. Peter Chesson, UC Davis, Section of Evolution and Ecology |
| Location: | 693 Kerr |
| Start time: | Wed, Feb 23 2000, 2:10PM |
Discrete-time Markov processes on a continuous state space are important in ecology in the study of the mechanisms that maintain species diversity. Stochastic variation is modeled as biological responses of the species to variation in weather patterns. Geometrical properties of the functions defining the models, which flow from biological assumptions, determine the role that the stochastic components have in the maintenance of diversity. In common scenarios, stochastic fluctuations are predicted to promote high species diversity. Important mathematical issues are the means of demonstrating that diversity is maintained in terms of existence of stationary distributions and related concepts.