Stage duration distributions in matrix population models

Regret minimization in repeated matrix games with variable stage duration

Regret minimization in repeated matrix games has been extensively studied ever since Hannan’s (1957) seminal paper. Several classes of no-regret strategies now exist; such strategies secure a longterm average payoff as high as could be obtained by the fixed action that is best, in hindsight, against the observed action sequence of the opponent. We consider an extension of this framework to repe...

Matrix Models and Population Dynamics

Stage-classified matrix models and age estimates

When the size of individuals is a better indicator of their chances to survive, grow, and reproduce than their age, the suitable matrix population model is stage-classified. Cochran and Ellner developed a method to assess age-based parameters from such models. We present here, for these age estimates, simplified formulas that are valid whenever there is neither retrogression nor fission: indivi...

Constructing stage-structured matrix population models from life tables: comparison of methods

A matrix population model is a convenient tool for summarizing per capita survival and reproduction rates (collectively vital rates) of a population and can be used for calculating an asymptotic finite population growth rate (λ) and generation time. These two pieces of information can be used for determining the status of a threatened species. The use of stage-structured population models has i...

Quasi-stationarity distributions and diffusion models in population dynamics

In this paper, we study quasi-stationarity for a large class of Kolmogorov diffusions, that is, existence of a quasi-stationary distribution, conditional convergence to such a distribution, construction of a Q-process (process conditioned to be never extinct). The main novelty here is that we allow the drift to go to −∞ at the origin, and the diffusion to have an entrance boundary at +∞. These ...