Scaling as a Tool for the Analysis of Biological Models

Abstract

Many mathematical models of biological systems lead to differential equations. Although numerical methods are available to solve these equations, the introduction of dimensionless variables often simplifies the form of the equations. In addition, if scaled dimensionless variables are introduced then it is sometimes possible to obtain useful approximations to the solution using, for example, perturbation methods. A discussion of the use of these techniques is illustrated by examining a model developed by Volterra for population growth in a closed system.