Whales and Krill: A Mathematical Model (UMAP)

A predator-prey system involving whales and krill is modeled by a system of differential equations. Although the equations are not solvable, information is extracted using dimensional analysis and the study of equilibrium points. The concept of maximum sustainable yield and use it to draw conclusions about fishing strategies, and practice manipulative skills in algebra and calculus.

Table of Contents:

1. INTRODUCTION

2. THE MODEL

3. THE FISHERMAN COMETH

4. REMOVING THE DIMENSIONS

5. LOOKING FOR EQUILIBRIUM POINTS

6. THE EFFECT OF FISHING

7. MAXIMUM SUSTAINABLE YIELD

8. TOTAL VALUE

9. CONCLUSIONS

10. REFERENCES

11. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

12. ANSWERS TO EXERCISES