Numerical study of size-structured population models: A case of Gambussia affinis

Abstract
We study, from a numerical point of view, some properties of a model which describes the evolution of a population of Gambussia affinis. Our model includes sufficiently smooth vital functions. First we select, among four numerical methods of second order, the most appropriate in terms of adaptation to the problem. The most efficient method also reveals new properties of the model for long times, such as the tendency to periodicity, obtained with different initial conditions. We also discuss some advantages and deficiencies of the model.