DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/HB5P-RQ58
Defense Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Mathematical Sciences
First Advisor
Suzanne Robertson
Second Advisor
David Chan
Third Advisor
Karen Kester
Abstract
Two proposed models will be used to help answer a long observed question in the dynamics of \textit{Manduca sexta} and its related parasitoid wasps-Why is there a large difference in diversity in hyperparasitoid species between tobacco and other related plants such as tomato? Two stage structured differential equation models are presented. The first is a single patch model to study the changes in dynamics that occur between hosts, parasitoids, and hyperparasitoids as the amount of nicotine in the plant increases. The second is a two patch model that allows hyperparasitoids to choose between patches that are nicotine negative (i.e. tomato plants) and nicotine positive (i.e. tobacco plants). Both models will be used to investigate how host nicotine sequestration may impact hyperparasitoid diversity.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-3-2015