Equivalence relationships between stage-structured population models.

摘要: Matrix population models are widely applied in conservation ecology to help predict future trends and guide effort. Researchers must decide upon an appropriate level of model complexity, yet there is little theoretical work such decisions. In this paper we present analysis a stage-structured model, prove that the model's structure can be simplified parameterised way long-term growth rate, stable-stage distribution generation time all invariant simplification. We further show for certain structures require less effort data collection. also discuss features which not simplification implications our results selection model. illustrate ideas using short-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris). example, increase parameter elasticity, indicating intermediate complexity likely preferred.