Utilizing Leslie Matrices to Predict the Population Growth of Balanophylia Elegans Coral

by Jaime Caballero

 

Submitted : Spring 2022

 

In my research I utilized a Leslie matrix and other calculations to predict the population growth of a species of coral in California known as Balanophyllia elegans. In order to obtain said data, I referenced the life table of Yusef Fadallah’s own study. I found that the coral population appears to be decreasing over time, which is what I initially predicted due to climate change and overfishing possessing a heavy negative impact on many coral populations. Further observations can be made in the future, however, this data could be utilized to determine if action should be taken to better the growth of said population of coral, as such a species possesses a heavy impact on marine ecosystems.

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