Modeling Albatross Chick Growth with Two Competing Models

by Kaleigh Nelson

Submitted : Spring 2016

Selecting the proper mathematical model when describing an individual's growth can be difficult because of the varying accuracy when compared to the real data. This project compares the fit of two derivatives and their models - logistic and von Bertalanffy - when modeling albatross growth. This was achieved by implementing the equations in R and using data from Black Browed albatross chicks. The logistic model was shown to fit better with a 1326 AIC value, as opposed to 1337 for the von Bertalanffy model. These results will be used in a broader project tasked with improving a growth model for birds.

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