Problem 45
Question
Extinct Populations One theory states that if the size of a population falls
below a minimum \(m,\) the population will become extinct. This condition leads
to the extended logistic
differential equation \(\frac{d P}{d t}=k
P\left(1-\frac{P}{M}\right)\left(1-\frac{m}{P}\right)\)
with \(k>0\) the proportionality constant and \(M\) the population maximum.
(a) Show that dP&dt is positive for m < P < M and negative if P
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedKey Concepts
Logistic Growth Model
Extinction Threshold
This term affects the growth rate such that if the population \(P\) falls below \(m\), the factor becomes negative, leading to an overall negative growth rate \(\frac{dP}{dt} < 0\). In practical terms, it implies the population will continue to decrease until extinction if it stays below this critical value, highlighting the importance of maintaining a population above the extinction threshold.
Population Dynamics
Here are few elements that can be crucial:
- **Birth Rates:** Changes in birth rates can have a significant impact on whether a population grows or shrinks.
- **Death Rates:** High mortality rates can lead populations towards declining.
- **Carrying Capacity:** The environment can only support populations up to a certain size \(M\), beyond which resources become too limited to sustain further growth.
Slope Field
For the given equation, you would plot various points on a graph and draw small line segments (or slopes) at each point that represent the value of \(\frac{dP}{dt}\) at that point. These slopes give you a field of lines that illustrate the direction of population change over time. Superimposing the actual solution (such as the one found in Step 3 with initial conditions like \(P(0) = 300\)) onto this field helps visualize how closely the solution follows these suggested paths and gives insights into stability and behavior across different scenarios.
Integration Techniques
Here's a brief rundown of integration techniques used:
- **Variable Separation:** We separate variables on opposite sides of the equation, which allows for easier integration.
- **Partial Fractions:** Once variables are separated, we often rewrite terms as partial fractions to simplify the integration.
- **Direct Integration:** After simplifying, directly integrate both sides to find the general solution.