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A 2 × 2 matrix model of population growth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2016

D. Cooke
D. Cooke*
Affiliation:
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QH
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Extract

Matrix models are used extensively in demography and population biology. The example discussed here shows how a simple 2 × 2 matrix may prove of use in the study of bird populations. Teachers may find it an interesting illustration of the application of matrices. The knowledge of matrices that is required to appreciate the model and investigate it numerically may be summarised as (1) the expression of two linear equations as a matrix equation, (2) the multiplication of matrices. A deeper understanding of the behaviour of the model comes from the use of eigenvalues.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 61 , Issue 416 , June 1977 , pp. 120 - 123
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1977

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