Modelling Population Structure

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1989, Volume 10

Abstract

The Leslie Matrix is a model used commonly to predict future age or stage distributions of a plant or animal population. In this exercise designed for students with some background in ecology, the model is run on APPLE II series computers. Using data for real or imagined populations, students study the effects of altered fecundity and mortality on population structure, calculate the intrinsic rate of increase, analyze the model's sensitivity, and study the requirements for a stable and constant age distribution in the population.

Keywords:  ecology, computer simulation, population, population modelling, Leslie matrix, fecundity, mortality, intrinsic rate of increase, age distribution

University of British Columbia (1988)