Dispersal is a primary process that impacts the population dynamics of animals. However, quantifying and modeling animal dispersal in space and time remains a major challenge, due in part to the paucity of analytical methods. Yet, this type of modeling

1
The Physics of Diffusion
Applicable
to Population Biology and Conservation?
Dispersal is a primary process that impacts the
population dynamics of animals. However,
quantifying and modeling animal dispersal in
space and time remains a major challenge, due in
part to the paucity of analytical methods. Yet,
this type of modeling holds great promise for
applications to pressing biological problems,
ranging from predicting the spread of diseases to
planning conservation strategies for endangered
species. The physical models of diffusion might
provide a convenient, precise, and rigorous
methodology to describe dispersal, but these
models remain largely untested for use in
biological systems. Can we quantitatively
describe the movement of endangered, keystone, or
commercially-valuable species across a
heterogenous landscape in space and time using
the physics of diffusion? I explore a simple
dynamic model of diffusion for use in evaluating
the criteria necessary for effective habitat
protection. I used the model predictions to
assess if and how a marine reserve can protect
populations of two commercially-valuable and
heavily-exploited species, Caribbean spiny
lobsters and queen conch. Does Biophysics have a
more expansive role to play in the future of
applied ecology?
Presented by
Charles A. Acosta
Department of Biological Sciences
Northern Kentucky University
11/20/2002 600 pm
Science Center 207
SPINY LOBSTER (Panulirus argus)
Sponsored by
QUEEN CONCH (Strombus gigus)
Open to all faculty, staff, and students