Complexity in matrix population models: Polyvariant ontogeny and reproductive uncertainty

► Complexity appears as multivariant ontogeny expressed in the life cycle graph. ► Dominant eigenvalue λ1 of projection matrix is a measure of population adaptation. ► One-step population data on 'identified individuals' enable matrix calibration. ► Calibration under 'reproductive uncertainty' is a λ1 constraint maximization problem. ► Solution to the problem is attained at a vertex of the polyhedral of constraints.