Date of Award
12-2025
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mathematics and Statistics
Committee Chair(s)
Luis Gordillo
Committee
Luis Gordillo
Committee
Erin Beckman
Committee
Mario Harper
Abstract
Historical examples suggest that isolated, resource-scarce societies are prone to increased hostility and social disasters. The research in this report explores the role of intrasocietal competition in avoiding resource collapse. Two resource-consumer models are proposed with competition which depends on the level of available resources. One of these models is selected for in-depth analysis, and the region in the parameter space where saddle-node bifurcations emerge is computed numerically. The effects of environmental noise on resource growth are simulated, showing that the increased noise usually has negative long-term effects which might be mitigated via increased consumer competition.
Recommended Citation
Tonks, Gabriel M., "Role of Competition in Avoiding Social Collapse" (2025). All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present. 126.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports2023/126
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