Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using Differential Equations To Model Predator-Prey Relations As Part Of Scudem Modeling Challenge, Zachary Fralish, Bernard Tyson Iii, Anthony Stefan

Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal

Differential equation modeling challenges provide students with an opportunity to improve their mathematical capabilities, critical thinking skills, and communication abilities through researching and presenting on a differential equations model. This article functions to display an archetype summary of an undergraduate student team’s response to a provided prompt. Specifically, the provided mathematical model estimates how certain stimuli from a predator are accumulated to trigger a neural response in a prey. Furthermore, it tracks the propagation of the resultant action potential and the physical flight of the prey from the predator through the analysis of larval zebrafish as a model organism. This …