AgeStructure

AgeStructure estimates demographic parameters in age-structured populations with overlapping generations using sex, age, and multilocus genotype data to infer generation interval, effective population size, and life-table variables.

Key Features:

• Generation Interval Estimation: Calculates the generation interval for populations with overlapping generations.
• Effective Population Size (N(e)) — EPA: Implements the Estimator by Parentage Assignments (EPA) to estimate N(e) from multilocus genotype data combined with sex and age information from a single random sample.
• Lifetime Number of Offspring Variability: Computes variances and covariances in lifetime family sizes to quantify reproductive success variability.
• Effective Number of Breeders by Age Class: Estimates the effective number of breeders for each age class to assess breeding contributions across life stages.
• Life-Table Variables Estimation: Produces various life-table variables relevant to population biology and ecology.

Scientific Applications:

• Ecological and Evolutionary Research: Supports study of species with complex life histories and overlapping generations.
• Conservation Genetics: Enables assessment of genetic diversity and population viability for conservation planning.
• Field Sampling and Inference: Provides unbiased and precise estimates from realistic sampling scenarios to inform field studies.

Methodology:

Uses the Estimator by Parentage Assignments (EPA) applied to sex, age, and multilocus genotype data from randomly sampled individuals; validated through simulations demonstrating accuracy and lack of bias and applied to datasets such as wild baboon and hihi (stitchbird) populations.