Extinction and chaotic patterns in map lattices under hostile conditions

Population dynamics in spatially extended systems can be modeled by Coupled Map Lattices (CML). We employ such equations to study the behavior of populations confined to a finite patch surrounded by a completely hostile environment. By means of the Galerkin projection and the normal solution ansatz, we are able to find analytical expressions for the critical patch size and show the existence of chaotic patterns. The analytical solutions provided are shown to fit, under the appropriate approximations, the dynamics of a logistic map. This interesting result, together with our discussion, suggests the existence of a universal class of spatially extended systems directly linked to the well-known characteristics of the logistic map. © 2009 Society for Mathematical Biology.