The Leslie Matrix Model

The Leslie Matrix Model is a mathematical tool used to predict how a population changes over time, specifically for organisms with distinct age groups. It uses a grid (matrix) where each row and column correspond to different age groups, showing how many new individuals each group produces and how many survive to the next age group. By multiplying the current population distribution by this matrix, we can project future population sizes and structure, helping ecologists understand growth trends, manage wildlife, or study species sustainability efficiently.