h3>
<p>Several matrix manipulations or calculations require that the MPM
(<code>matA</code>) be irreducible and ergodic (Stott et al. 2018).
Irreducible MPMs are those where parameterised transition rates
facilitate pathways from all stages to all other stages. Conversely,
reducible MPMs depict incomplete life cycles where pathways from all
stages to every other stage are not possible. Ergodic MPMs are those
where there is a <em>single</em> asymptotic stable state that does not
depend on initial stage stru