QEIB: Stochastic Spatial Spread: Models and Experiments

一个物种扩展其范围的速度取决于该物种的特征以及时间和空间的随机变化。 这是一个很难在自然界中研究的问题，因为可能涉及很大的时间和空间尺度，并且缺乏可重复性。 为了解决这些限制，本项目在实验室中使用面粉甲虫，赤拟谷盗作为模型系统来研究这个问题。这项研究将包括人工景观的许多复制品和在孵化器中受控条件下的不同人口参数。 实验工作将与纳入可变性的数学模型的开发相协调。 这些模型将允许扩展到其他系统和发展的一般原则。空间蔓延的问题是非常重要的科学和实际意义。 入侵物种的扩散是美国面临的最重要和代价最高的环境问题之一。 然而，基本上没有详细的、重复的实验来研究如何预测传播，以及人口参数如何影响传播。 正如当前的问题所示，许多生态问题的进展取决于实验和数学方法的联合应用，因此，在这项工作的过程中，本科生接受的培训将产生非常重要的长期影响。

How fast a species expands its range depends on characteristics of the species and on random variation in time and space. This is a difficult problem to study in nature because of the large time and space scales that may be involved, and the lack of repeatability. To address these limitation, this project examines the problem in the laboratory using the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model system. The study will include many replicates of artificial landscapes and varying demographic parameters under controlled conditions in an incubator. The experimental work will be coordinated with the development of mathematical models that incorporate variability. The models will allow extension to other systems and the development of general principles.The problem of spatial spread is of both great scientific and practical importance. The spread of invasive species is one of the most important and costly environmental issues facing the United States. Yet, there have been essentially no detailed, repeated experiments on how predictable spread is, and on how demographic parameters affect spread. As the current problem illustrates, progress in many ecological problems depends on the joint application of experimental and mathematical methods, so the training received by undergraduates during the course of this work will have very significant long term impacts.