抄録
Program ENORMSEP (Extended Normal Separator Program) is introduced for aging studies as a new method of analysis. This program calculates preliminary estimates of the number of size groups and their points of overlap using probit analysis and polynomial regression techniques. Then these preliminary estimates entered into NORMSEP (provided by Hasselblad and modified by Tomlinson) to compute the maximum likelihood estimates of μj, σj2 and Pj by using the method of steepest descent. In order to test the availability of the ENORNSEP method, Mytilus edulis are chosen as an example, for My tilus aging studies cannot be performed. The results are compared with those of graphical methods of Hardings, Oka and Bhattacharya. Since the ENORNSEP is found to be sufficient and accurate enough for practical use, it will be useful tool for benthic population dynamics studies.
