DISCONTINUOUS FORCING OF
PERIODIC SOLUTIONS IN ${\cal C}^1$
VECTOR FIELDS WITH APPLICATIONS
TO POPULATION MODELS

J. ROBERT BUCHANAN

Abstract:

Averaging methods are used to compare solutions of two-dimensional systems of ordinary differential equations with constant or periodic forcing. The asymptotic separation of solutions of the periodically forced equations from the solutions of the constantly forced equations is proportional to the L¹ norm of the periodic forcing terms. This result is applied to population models of Kolmogorov-type with climax fitness functions where forcing represents stocking or harvesting of a population. The asymptotic behavior of such systems may be controlled, to some extent, by varying the period and/or amplitude of the forcing functions.