Global bifurcation of positive equilibria in nonlinear population models (Q960827)

Nonnegative stationary solutions to a model of age and spatially structured populations are studied. The problem is formulated as an abstract equation \[ \partial_a u + A(u,a)u + \mu(a,u)u =0,\quad a\in (0,a_m),\qquad u(0)=\int_0^{a_m} \beta(u,a)u(a)\,da \] in an ordered Banach space \(E_0\) with a positive cone \(E_0^+\). The unknown function \(u:[0,a_m)\to E_0^+\) describes the density of individuals with age \(a\) whose evolution is governed by a death and birth process according to the density dependent death modulus \(\mu(a,u)\) and birth modulus \(\beta(a,u)\), respectively, \(a_m\) is the maximal age. For any fixed \(u\) and \(a\), the term \(A(u,a):E_1\to E_0\) is a linear unbounded operator, \(E_1\) being a certain subspace of \(E_0\). This term describes the spatial movement of individuals. A concrete example is also discussed. A parameter corresponding to the intensity of the fertility is introduced and considered as a bifurcation parameter. Existence of an unbounded branch of positive solutions bifurcating from trivial solutions is proved by using the global Rabinowitz theorem. Furthermore, the existence of positive solutions for the parameter-independent model is shown by means of a fixed point theorem for conical shells.