Page "Leslie matrix" Paragraph 19

This age-structured growth model suggests a steady-state, or stable, age-structure and growth rate.

Regardless of the initial population size,, or age distribution, the population tends asymptotically to this age-structure and growth rate.

It also returns to this state following perturbation.

The Euler – Lotka equation provides a means of identifying the intrinsic growth rate.

The stable age-structure is determined both by the growth rate and the survival function ( i. e. the Leslie matrix ).

For example, a population with a large intrinsic growth rate will have a disproportionately “ young ” age-structure.

A population with high mortality rates at all ages ( i. e. low survival ) will have a similar age-structure.

Charlesworth ( 1980 ) provides further details on the rate and form of convergence to the stable age-structure.