Let Y and X denote C^k vector fields on a possibly noncompact surface with empty boundary, k >0. Say that Y tracks X if the dynamical system it generates locally permutes integral curves of X. Let K be a locally maximal compact set of zeroes of X.
THEOREM Assume the Poincare-Hopf index of X at K is nonzero, and the k-jet of X at each point of K is nontrivial. If g is a supersolvable Lie algebra of C^k vector fields that track X, then the elements of g have a common zero in K. Applications are made to attractors and transformation groups.
Let $G$ be connected nilpotent Lie group acting locally on a real surface $M$. Let $varphi$ be the local flow on $M$ induced by a $1$-parameter subgroup. Assume $K$ is a compact set of fixed points of $varphi$ and $U$ is a neighborhood of $K$ contain
ing no other fixed points. Theorem: If the Dold fixed-point index of $varphi_t|U$ is nonzero for sufficiently small $t>0$, then ${rm Fix} (G) cap K e emptyset$.
Let X be an analytic vector field on a real or complex 2-manifold, and K a compact set of zeros of X whose fixed point index is not zero. Let A denote the Lie algebra of analytic vector fields Y on M such that at every point of M the values of X and
[X,Y] are linearly dependent. Then the vector fields in A have a common zero in K. Application: Let G be a connected Lie group having a 1-dimensional normal subgroup. Then every action of G on M has a fixed point.
Certain dynamical models of competition have a unique invariant hypersurface to whichevery nonzero tractory is asymptotic, having simple geometry and topology.
Attractors of cooperative dynamical systems are particularly simple; for example, a nontrivial periodic orbit cannot be an attractor. This paper provides characterizations of attractors for the wider class of coherent systems, defined by the property
that no directed feedback loops are negative. Several new results for cooperative systems are obtained in the process.
