Dynamics of a discrete population model for extinction and sustainability in ancient civilizations

Nonlinear Dynamics Psychol Life Sci. 2008 Jan;12(1):29-53.

Abstract

We analyze a discrete version of a recently developed ratio dependent population-resource model. This model has been used to study the decline of the human and resource populations on Easter Island and the chaotic dynamics of moose and wolf populations in Canada. The dynamical system exhibits a rich behavior of fractal basins of attraction and a Neimark-Sacker bifurcation route to chaos. The model consists of a coupled pair of logistic equations, with the carrying capacity for the predators proportional to the number of prey.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Canada
  • Civilization*
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Simulation
  • Deer
  • Ecosystem
  • Extinction, Biological*
  • Food Chain
  • Fractals
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics*
  • Polynesia
  • Population Dynamics*
  • Resource Allocation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Spatial Behavior
  • Wolves