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Mathematical Models for Society and Biology, 2nd Edition
book

Mathematical Models for Society and Biology, 2nd Edition

by Edward Beltrami
June 2013
Intermediate to advanced content levelIntermediate to advanced
288 pages
8h 12m
English
Academic Press
Content preview from Mathematical Models for Society and Biology, 2nd Edition
Chapter 1

Crabs and Criminals

1.1 Background

A hand reaches into the still waters of the shallow lagoon and gently places a shell on the sandy bottom. We watch. A little later a tiny hermit crab scurries out of a nearby shell and takes possession of the larger one just put in. This sets off a chain reaction in which another crab moves out of its old quarters and scuttles over to the now-empty shell of the previous owner. Other crabs do the same, until at last some barely habitable shell is abandoned by its occupant for a better shelter, and it remains unused.

One day the president of a corporation decides to retire. After much fanfare and maneuvering within the firm, one of the vice presidents is promoted to the top job. This leaves a vacancy, ...

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Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9780124046245