A size-structured population model with dispersion (Q1323072)

We consider mathematical models for populations where individuals are distinguished by some significant property. As determining the size of fish, for instance, is much easier than determining age and therefore size data are more commonly available, we take this property to be size. \textit{J. W. Sinko} and \textit{W. Streifer} [Ecology 48, 910-918 (1967)] described the evolution of a size structured population by a partial differential equation involving an initial and a boundary condition (the latter describes reproduction), a growth rate and a mortality rate. Models of this type in general cannot explain size dispersion, which is a feature frequently observed in field data for growing populations. In order to be able to describe these phenomena, \textit{H. T. Banks} et al. [T. G. Hallam et al. (eds.), Mathematical ecology, 521-541 (1988)] suggested that in addition to individual rates varying with size \(x\), there are other inherent differences in growth (these could be genetic in nature) that are randomly distributed among individuals in a given population. Here we discuss a model of this type.