Age-specific sensitivity analysis of stable, stochastic and transient growth for stage-classified populations

Sensitivity analysis in ecology and evolution is a valuable guide to rank demographic parameters depending on their relevance to population growth. Here, we propose a method to make the sensitivity analysis of population growth for matrix models solely classified by stage more fine-grained by considering the effect of age-specific parameters. The method applies to stable population growth, the stochastic growth rate, and transient growth. The method yields expressions for the sensitivity of stable population growth to age-specific survival and fecundity from which general properties are derived about the pattern of age-specific selective forces molding senescence in stage-classified populations.

Automated summary

Sensitivity analysis plays a crucial role in evaluating key parameters for population growth in ecology and evolution. This study introduces a method to enhance the granularity of sensitivity analysis for population growth in stage-classified populations by considering the influence of age-specific parameters. The proposed method is applicable to stable population growth, stochastic growth rate, and transient growth, and provides insights into the age-specific selective forces shaping senescence in stage-classified populations.