Development of an Age-structured Metapopulation Model of Zebra Mussels.
Abstract
Since current water quality models do not adequately portray population dynamics (Waide and Kennedy 1998), understanding the interactions between zebra mussels and water quality will require linking water quality models and models of zebra mussel population dynamics (Kennedy, Bridges, and O'Neill 1998). This technical note describes the development of a population model for zebra mussels. The model predicts probable population trajectories (changes in abundance over time) based on current abundances and information describing vital rates. A population is a group of individuals of the same species who, because they are located in the same geographic space, are able to locate each other and reproduce (Ackakaya, Burgman, and Ginzburg 1997). Population ecology is the study of the dynamics of populations while providing an information base upon which to discuss and evaluate many important natural resource management challenges (e.g., invasion of nuisance species, extinction of rare species). Population models account for changes in the number of individuals over time by considering factors that increase (i.e., birth and immigration) and decrease (i.e., death and emigration) abundance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA367955