On the hunt: math lecture compares relationship between predators, prey

A mathematical system that can be compared to predators hunting prey in the wild will be the topic of the next guest speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences Lecture Series at Pittsburg State University.

Dr. Yaping Liu, a professor in the PSU Department of Mathematics, is the third speaker for this year’s new lecture series. He will present “Limited Cycles in Predator-Prey Systems,” at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The lecture will be held in Grubbs Hall Room 109.

Predator-prey systems are mathematical models of how predators and their prey interact in nature. When predators eat prey, it reduces the food supply. If the number of prey is reduced too far, the predators will starve thereby reducing their numbers and allowing the number of prey to increase. Increasing prey, however, will allow for an increase in the predator population.

In his talk, Dr. Liu plans to discuss a few well-known theories such as Volterra's paradox, a phenomenon discovered in certain predator-prey models that exhibit cyclical behavior.

Light refreshments at 3 p.m. will precede the free lecture. For more information, contact Dr. Liu at 620-235-4402.

---Pitt State---