Simple Density-independent Growth

Abstract

Between 1966 and 1971, Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) abundance in Darrtown, OH, USA, seemed to increase very quickly, seemingly unimpeded by any particular factor (Fig. 1.1a). In an e_ort to manage this population, we may want to predict its future population size. We may also want to describe its growth rate and population size in terms of mechanisms that could inuence its growth rate. We may want to compare its growth and relevant mechanisms to those of other Song Sparrow populations or even to other passerine populations. These goals, prediction, explanation, and generalization, are frequently the goals toward which we strive in modeling anything, including populations, communities, and ecosystems. In this book, we start with simple models of populations and slowly add complexity to both the form of the model, and the analysis of its behavior. As we move along, we also practice applying these models to real populations.