The effects of seasonality on discrete models of population growth (Q800849)

The effects of seasonality on the dynamics of a bivoltine population with discrete, nonoverlapping generations are examined. It is found that large seasonality is inevitably destabilizing but that mild seasonality may have a pronounced stabilizing effect. Seasonality also allows for the coexistence of alternative stable states (equilibria, cycles, chaos). These solutions may be seasonally in-phase, out-of-phase, or asynchronous. In-phase solutions correspond to winter regulation of population density, whereas out-of-phase solutions correspond to summer regulation. Analysis suggests that summer regulation is possible only in mildly seasonal habitats.