Publications

I recently completed my first year in research and am currently involved in two experimental projects. Although research requires time to mature, I am optimistic about achieving significant results as my work progresses.

2024

Dynamic Balances: Modelling Variable Sex Ratios in Lamprey Populations for Ecosystem Management

M. Yang, M. Abbasi, and S. Soporboev

International Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM)., Tucson, Arizona. ** The Problem can be found here , May 2024

Abs PDF

First, we develop an Adaptive Population Control (ACC) model that explains the skewed sex ratio at high and low levels of resource availability as a control measure by lamprey to maximize their growth rate. We find that the advantage of a variable sex ratio is greatest under extremely poor or extremely suitable environmental conditions. Next, to account for the male skewed populations of lamprey at high densities, we develop a modified logistic growth model that allows for variable carrying capacity for males and females. Differential Carrying Capacity (DCC) model accurately predicts the optimal sex ratio to achieve the maximal growth rate at various population densities. In line with ACC, we use Aquatic Nutritional Network (ANN), a niche width differential equation model is developed by integrating concepts from Lotka-Volterra equations. to study the dynamics of lamprey and their native prey/predator. We find that variable sex ratios allow time for regeneration of the native prey in Lamprey.