Matrix models of population theory.

Abstract

Non-negative matrices arise naturally in population models. In this thesis, we first study Perron-

Frobenius theory of non-negative irreducible matrices. We use this theory to investigate the asymptotic

behaviour of discrete time linear autonomous models. Then we discuss an application for this in age

structured population. Furthermore, we study Liapunov stability of a general non-linear autonomous

model. We consider a general nonlinear autonomous model that arises in structured population.

We assume that the associated nonlinear matrix of this model is non-increasing at all density levels.

Then, we show the existence of global extinction. In addition, we show the stability condition of the

extinction equilibrium of the this model in the Liapunov sense.