A multi-class extension of the mean field Bolker–Pacala population model

Abstract

Abstract We extend our earlier mean field approximation of the Bolker–Pacala model of population dynamics by dividing the population into N classes, using a mean field approximation for each class but also allowing migration between classes as well as possibly suppressive influence of the population of one class over another class. For {N\geq 2} , we obtain one symmetric nontrivial equilibrium for the system and give global limit theorems. For {N=2} , we calculate all equilibrium solutions, which, under additional conditions, include multiple nontrivial equilibria. Lastly, we prove geometric ergodicity regardless of the number of classes when there is no population suppression across the classes.