Metapopulations are becoming more prevalent across all species. The complex relationships between these species and their environments can be mapped using the basic metapopulation equation created by Levins. In order to capture a more realistic description for the Northern Spotted Owl specifically, this equation was further developed into a system of three ordinary differential equations. This was accomplished by introducing parameters which were shown to have largely unexplored relationships with the rates of extinction and colonization. After finding some strong correlations between parameters and their effects on the owls patch occupancy, it is clear that the Northern Spotted Owl needs more data to be collected in order to develop an accurate and working model.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Eufemia, David Michael

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042615-173647

Advisor

• Olson, Sarah D

Year

• 2015

Date created

• 2015-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mathematical Sciences

Rights statement

• In Copyright