Models for Population Growth Curves

Abstract EN

We examined models for population growth curves, contrasting integrated versions with various other forms.

A sizable number of data sets for birds and mammals were considered, but the main comparisons were based on 27 data sets that could be fit to the generalized logistic curve.

Akaike's information criterion was used to rank fits of those data sets to 5 integrated models.

We found that the integrated models gave the best fits to the data examined.

The difference equations examined gave much poorer fits as judged by AICc and coefficients of variation.

We conclude that the integrated models should be used when possible.