Abstract
The mysterious disappearance of honey bee populations has caused worldwide concern in the past decode. This loss of honey bees not only affects bee keepers, but agriculture on a large scale, as honey bees are responsible for the pollination of many crops. The most recent research has suggested that pesticides and outside stressors may be the cause of what has been called colony collapse disorder (CCD). In this study, we use differential equation models and agent-based models to describe the mutualistic relationship between honey bees and the flowers they pollinate with a focus on understanding how external pressures can cause populations to collapse. This not only provides insight into CCD but also adds to the literature of models of interacting species, in which mutualisms have been less of a focus.
Advisor
Wooster, Robert
Department
Mathematics
Recommended Citation
French, Katelyn R., "Bees in the Trap: A Mathematical Approach to Modeling the Mutualism between Flowering Plants and Honey Bees" (2016). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7197.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7197
Disciplines
Ordinary Differential Equations and Applied Dynamics
Publication Date
2016
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2016 Katelyn R. French