Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
9.5 Conclusions
This chapter has dealt with Leslie matrix models, a special case of discrete time
models where a population is divided into age classes of the same length as the time
step. For this model population parameters, like age-specific survival and fecundity,
were summarized in the Leslie matrix. An eigenanalysis of this matrix yielded
important information about the asymptotic behaviour of the population as well as
the relative importance of certain life history parameters on the population dynam-
ics. Further, an extended Leslie model for populations with both, age and stage
structure, was given. With this model the effects of climate change on the voltinism
and range of occurrence of a dragonfly species were investigated. In this example it
was shown that population models based on Leslie matrices can be powerful tools
in ecological investigations, although some important factors were not yet covered
by the model. Therefore, Leslie matrix models can help to analyze community and
ecosystem level consequences of climate change.
Further Readings
Caswell H (2001) Matrix population models, 2nd edn. Sinauer, Sunderland
Keyfitz N, Caswell H (2005) Applied mathematical demography, 3rd edn. Springer, Heidelberg
Montshiwa MI (2007) Leslie matrix model in population dynamics. PGDipl Thesis, University of
Witwatersrand.
http://users.aims.ac.za/~mosimanegape/essay.pdf
Soetaert K, Herman P (2009) A practical guide to ecological modelling. Springer, Heidelberg
