A short proof of the Cushing-Henson conjecture (Q933843)

Summary: We give a short proof of the Cushing-Henson conjecture [cf. \textit{J. M. Cushing} and \textit{S. M. Henson}, J. Difference Equ. Appl. 8, No. 12, 1119--1120 (2002; Zbl 1023.39013)] concerning the Beverton-Holt difference equation [cf. \textit{R. J. Beverton} and \textit{S. J. Holt}, On the dynamics of exploited fish populations. Fish. Invest. 19, HM50, London (1957)] which is important in theoretical ecology. The main result shows that a periodic environment is always deleterious for populations modeled by the Beverton-Holt difference equation.