Title
How do plant ecologists use matrix population models?
Abbreviated Journal Title
Ecol. Lett.
Keywords
Conservation; ecological forecasting; extinction risk; harvest; matrix; projection models; plant population dynamics; population growth rate; population viability analysis; risk assessment; sensitivity analysis; LIFE-HISTORY EVOLUTION; VIABILITY ANALYSIS; EXTINCTION RISK; CONSERVATION; BIOLOGY; PROBABILITY; MEANINGFUL; DEMOGRAPHY; Ecology
Abstract
Matrix projection models are among the most widely used tools in plant ecology. However, the way in which plant ecologists use and interpret these models differs from the way in which they are presented in the broader academic literature. In contrast to calls from earlier reviews, most studies of plant populations are based on < 5 matrices and present simple metrics such as deterministic population growth rates. However, plant ecologists also cautioned against literal interpretation of model predictions. Although academic studies have emphasized testing quantitative model predictions, such forecasts are not the way in which plant ecologists find matrix models to be most useful. Improving forecasting ability would necessitate increased model complexity and longer studies. Therefore, in addition to longer term studies with better links to environmental drivers, priorities for research include critically evaluating relative/comparative uses of matrix models and asking how we can use many short-term studies to understand long-term population dynamics.
Journal Title
Ecology Letters
Volume
14
Issue/Number
1
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
1
Last Page
8
WOS Identifier
ISSN
1461-023X
Recommended Citation
"How do plant ecologists use matrix population models?" (2011). Faculty Bibliography 2010s. 1218.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2010/1218
Comments
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