P-09 Bifurcation Analysis of a Discrete-time Model for Seabird Reproduction
Abstract
Glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) breed in a large colony on Protection Island, Washington, and are known to exhibit every-other-day egg-laying synchrony in dense areas of the colony. We present a discrete-time model for egg-laying synchrony and use Jury Conditions to find the stability of the system as a function of the crowding factor. The equilibrium loses stability when the crowding factor exceeds a critical value, and the system begins synchronous stable oscillations. We also explore the effects of synchrony in the presence of egg predation and show that synchrony can be advantageous for individuals.
Thesis Record URL
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/honors/174
Start Date
3-2-2018 2:30 PM
P-09 Bifurcation Analysis of a Discrete-time Model for Seabird Reproduction
Glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) breed in a large colony on Protection Island, Washington, and are known to exhibit every-other-day egg-laying synchrony in dense areas of the colony. We present a discrete-time model for egg-laying synchrony and use Jury Conditions to find the stability of the system as a function of the crowding factor. The equilibrium loses stability when the crowding factor exceeds a critical value, and the system begins synchronous stable oscillations. We also explore the effects of synchrony in the presence of egg predation and show that synchrony can be advantageous for individuals.
Acknowledgments
Shandelle M. Henson, PhD.
J. N. Andrews Honors Program.
National Science Foundation.