Best Paper
FRI-2.203-SSS-FM-09
THE LOGISTIC EQUATION IN POPULATION ECOLOGY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY
Abstract
In this paper we review the fundamental mathematical models in population biology and epidemiology, with particular emphasis placed on the exponential and logistic models. Exponential growth is described by the Malthusian model, in which unlimited resources are assumed, but environmental constraints are not taken into account. To overcome this limitation, the logistic equation was introduced by Verhulst, incorporating the concept of carrying capacity and providing a more realistic model of population dynamics. The logistic model is also applied in epidemiology, where it is used to describe the spread of infectious diseases.
Keywords
Malthusian exponential model, Verhulstian logistic model, allometry, epidemiology, mathematical models
REFERENCES
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