On the formulation and analysis of general deterministic structured population models. I: Linear theory (Q1385292)

The authors present a mathematical formulation of structured population models based on individual state rules for reproduction, survival and ``movement'' (within the structure space). Only linear models are considered in this paper. The formulation is in terms of renewal integral equations rather than differential equations, which results in substantial technical simplification (such as the avoidance of unbounded operators). The basic theory of resolvents is developed and in the autonomous case asymptotic dynamics (growth, decay, and steady states) are related to the Malthusian parameter \(r\) and the reproduction ratio \(R_0\). A selection of examples is provided.