[Structural analysis of populations : new statistical approach to the problem of age in Squilla mantis (Crustacea Stomatopoda)].

Thirty-three male length-frequency samples are analysed first by a multivariate procedure. The evolutionary cycles are pointed out by the interpretation of the first two components. The simulation model is built up on the basis of factorial analysis. The assessment of age classes parameters (mean, standard deviation, percentage) is then carried out by the simulation of data. Their configuration with respect to the two components points out the proximity of the observed and generated samples and shows the value of the statistical model.