Location
Comstock Memorial Union, MSUM
Document Type
Poster
Event Website
https://www.mnstate.edu/sac/
Start Date
15-4-2025 12:00 AM
End Date
15-4-2025 12:00 AM
Publication Date
4-15-2025
Description
Differential equations provide powerful tools for modeling various real-life and physical systems, including population dynamics. In our presentation, we apply these mathematical techniques to study the population growth of local turkeys. According to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), Moorhead has been attempting to curb the increasing turkey population, a trend that has been developing over the past 25 years (MPR, 2020). Our intent was to first model the relation of the turkey population as compared to the human population. We were curious to see if the turkey population would eventually surpass the human population if both were left unbounded, and determine how long that might take. In order to do this, we utilized differential equations. We concentrated on exponential growth models, also referred to as unbounded population growth models, of the turkey and human populations in three local counties: Norman County, Becker County, and Clay County. Then, we transitioned to a more realistic representation and sought to determine how long it would take the turkey population to reach a set carrying capacity. In order to do this, we utilized a second differential equation. Our primary focus was using a logistic growth model to determine the time it would take to reach a set environmental carrying capacity of three local counties: Norman County, Becker County, and Clay County.
The Turkey Takeover: A Mathematical Model of Population Growth
Comstock Memorial Union, MSUM
Differential equations provide powerful tools for modeling various real-life and physical systems, including population dynamics. In our presentation, we apply these mathematical techniques to study the population growth of local turkeys. According to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), Moorhead has been attempting to curb the increasing turkey population, a trend that has been developing over the past 25 years (MPR, 2020). Our intent was to first model the relation of the turkey population as compared to the human population. We were curious to see if the turkey population would eventually surpass the human population if both were left unbounded, and determine how long that might take. In order to do this, we utilized differential equations. We concentrated on exponential growth models, also referred to as unbounded population growth models, of the turkey and human populations in three local counties: Norman County, Becker County, and Clay County. Then, we transitioned to a more realistic representation and sought to determine how long it would take the turkey population to reach a set carrying capacity. In order to do this, we utilized a second differential equation. Our primary focus was using a logistic growth model to determine the time it would take to reach a set environmental carrying capacity of three local counties: Norman County, Becker County, and Clay County.
https://red.mnstate.edu/sac/2025/cbac/3