Modelling transient population dynamics and their role in ecology and evolution
Stott, Iain
Date: 14 June 2012
Thesis or dissertation
Publisher
University of Exeter
Degree Title
PhD in Biological Sciences
Abstract
Population projection matrix (PPM) models are a central tool in ecology and evolution. They are widely used for devising population management practises for conservation, pest control, and harvesting. They are frequently employed in comparative analyses that seek to explain demographic patterns in natural populations. They are also ...
Population projection matrix (PPM) models are a central tool in ecology and evolution. They are widely used for devising population management practises for conservation, pest control, and harvesting. They are frequently employed in comparative analyses that seek to explain demographic patterns in natural populations. They are also a key tool in calculating measures of fitness for evolutionary studies. Yet, demographic analyses using projection matrices have, in some ways, failed to keep up with prevailing ecological
paradigms. A common focus on long-term and equilibrium dynamics when analysing
projection matrix models fits better with the outmoded view of ecosystems as stable and
immutable. The more current view of ecosystems as dynamic and subject to constant
extrinsic disturbances has bred new theoretical advances in the study of short-term
"transient" dynamics. Transient dynamics can be very different to long-term trends, and
given that ecological studies are often conducted over short timescales, they may be more
relevant to research. This thesis focuses on the study of transient dynamics using
population projection matrix models. The first section presents theoretical, methodological
and computational advances in the study of transient dynamics. These are designed to
enhance the predictive power of models, whilst keeping data requirements to a minimum,
and borrow from the fields of engineering and systems control. Case studies in this section provide support for consideration of transient dynamics in population management. The
second section applies some of these new methods to answer pertinent questions
surrounding the ecology and evolution of transient dynamics in plants. Results show that
transient dynamics exhibit patterns according to life form and phylogenetic history.
Evidence suggests that this can be linked to the stage-structuring of life cycles, which
opens up the possibility for new avenues of research considering the evolution of transient dynamics in nature.
Doctoral Theses
Doctoral College
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