The value of meristem states, as estimated by a discrete-time Markov chain

I used a discrete Markov chain to model the dynamics of meristem states of mountain white birches (Betula cordifolia Regel) at their elevational limit. Mersitems could enter different states from summer to summer (summer dormancy, short-shoot production, long-shoot production, death), according to sets of transition probabilities. First, I verified the markovity of meristem states. Than I used a Markov chain to estimate the life-expectancy of each mersitem state and to compute the life-time rewards (number of meristems produced) brought to the host plant by each meristem state (...)

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