Coevolutionary Dynamics in Host-Parasite Systems by Nashe Gumbo ’24

Coevolutionary Dynamics in Host-Parasite Systems by Nashe Gumbo ’24, Wednesday May 1, 1:00 – 1:50pm, North Science Building 113, Wachenheim, Mathematics Thesis

Abstract

Mathematical models play a crucial role in the study of disease dynamics. One prominent category of such models involves host-parasite systems. Most of these models track the population or density of the host and parasite species over successive generations. Only a few account for the presence of various strains within each species. In this talk, we will construct a host-parasite model that accounts for genetic variability within the host and parasite species. Specifically, we will generalize an existing mathematical model to track allele frequencies across generations under fluctuating environmental conditions. Our focus will be on Red Queen (RQ) dynamics, which are oscillating allele frequencies illustrating ongoing evolutionary adaptations between hosts and parasites.