Matrix Population Models: Construction, Analysis and Interpretation

Matrix population models are a powerful tool for investigating the population dynamic consequences of the structure of the life cycle and the vital rates (rates of mortality, fertility, growth and development), especially when individuals are more appropriately classified by size or developmental stage than by age. This book presents a comprehensive treatment of these models. It emphasizes their construction, either from actual data or as an expression of hypotheses about the life cycle, their mathematical analysis, and the biological interpretation of the results. The text is aimed at practising population biologists. Motivation of methods and examples of thier application have been given a higher priority than mathematical elegance.