Environment & Ecology · Ecology

Consider a stage-structured population modeled by a time-invariant Leslie/Lefkovitch matrix with four age classes (1-4). All contributions to class 1 are via fecundity from other classes. Assuming no resource limitation, what will happen to the population in a long-term simulation? A. The population will grow and attain a stable stage distribution. B. The population will grow but the number of individuals in each class will remain proportional to the initial numbers. C. The population will grow but numbers in classes will fluctuate disproportionately. D. The population will grow at a fixed asymptotic rate where all classes grow at the same relative rate. Which option represents all correct outcomes?