N. Sundaresan, K. Bagaria and M. Mohanty
Abstract
The study of population dynamics is closely linked with sustainable resource management, biodiversity preservation and understanding ecosystem stability. Quantitative techniques and mathematical models play a crucial role in analyzing the past, present and future population trends. This article extends a gentle invitation to understanding the scientific recipe offered by the mathematical models that have a long history of over 200 years, beginning in the 18th century. The article begins by tracing the history of mathematical models in population studies, focusing on the key contributions. It then attempts to give insights into fundamental model types namely the single species population models and the models of interacting species. Each model description is accompanied by a related application. Climate change and its impact on migration patterns has also been briefly mentioned.