Stage-based population projection matrices

A population growth model is a mathematical model that is applied to the study of population dynamics.

Data from life tables can be used to estimate per capita survival and reproduction rates of a population. A very useful tool to summarize these and calculate growth rate and generation time are matrix population models.

The Leslie matrix population projection technique is based on the Leslie matrix, which uses mortality and fecundity rates to give a projection of an organisms population distribution based on initial population distribution of age groups. The Leslie model will also provide simulations of changes in population growth rates.

A more specific form of this matrix, the Lefkovitch matrix, is similar to the Leslie Matrix, but divides populations into stage classes instead of age groups, since many species cannot be identified as to age due to lack of knowledge of their population demographics.

The model reflects the contribution of each age group to the next generation.

Figure 1 - Stage-based model

Stage-based population models make the assumptions that all members within a group or stage are affected equally by the fecundity, mortality, and growth rates.