Table 1:

The six metrics of transient dynamics analyzed and their associated biological meaning.

Index	Amplification index	Biological meaning	Attenuation index	Biological meaning
One-time step transient	Reactivity (Reactivity)	The largest possible density (relative to asymptotic dynamics) that may be reached by the population in the first time-step after disturbance	First-time step attenuation (Firststepatt)	The smallest possible density (relative to asymptotic dynamics) that may be reached by the population in first time-step after disturbance
Kreiss bound	Kreiss bounds on amplification (Kmax)	The density a population must amplify (relative to asymptotic dynamics) before reaching its maximum overall size	Kreiss bounds on attenuation (Kmin)	The density a population must attenuate (relative to asymptotic dynamics) before reaching its minimum overall size
Maximum transient index	Maximum amplification (Rhomax)	The largest density (relative to asymptotic dynamics) that may be reached by the population overall	Maximum attenuation (Rhomin)	The smallest density (relative to asymptotic dynamics) that may be reached by the population overall