Predicting population growth of the Rocky Mountain Apollo butterfly

Presenter: Stephen Matter, PhD, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences and School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Cincinnati

Dr. Matter received a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia; Post-Docs: University of Helsinki, Finland, and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He started at UC in 2002 and has been an adjunct, visiting, assistant, associate, and full professor.

Ecologists are good at explaining past events with statistical models, but less good at predicting. However, accurate predictive models are needed to address and prioritize conservation. Using a 31-year time series for 17 interconnected populations to predict the effect of climate and weather on population growth, I illustrate how predictive models can be used to test and refine hypotheses.

Virtual
Register for October 27th seminar