Population model based on individual dynamical cells

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tamošiūnaitė, Minija | Vaišnys, Juozas Rimas

Affiliations: Vytautas Magnus University, Department of Informatics, Vileikos 8, 3035 Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: iimita@krivis.vdu.lt | Yale University, Department of Electrical Engineering, New Haven, CT 06520, USA

Abstract: Traditional population dynamics models, explaining separate aspects of observed ecological phenomena, are well understood mathematically, but their extension to a wider class of phenomena is difficult. Artificial life models represent another extreme, capable of simulating almost every biological phenomenon, but not accessible to mathematical analysis. A population model having a scope between the two extremes – but flexible, extensible, and within reach of mathematical analysis – is introduced in this paper. The model is based on piece-wise linear dynamical models of individual organisms. Parameter ranges in which the model meets natural ecological requirements is explored through analysis and simulations.

Keywords: population model, piece-wise linear, parameter tuning

DOI: 10.3233/INF-1997-8308

Journal: Informatica, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 431-448, 1997