Pair formation models with maturation period

The standard model for pair formation is generalized to include a maturation period. This model in the form of three coupled delay equations is a special case of the general age-structured model for a two-sex population. The exact conditions for the existence of an exponential (persistent) two-sex solution are derived. It is shown that this solution is unique and locally stable. In order to achieve these results the theory of homogeneous differential equations is extended to a class of homogeneous delay equations.