A mathematical model of the assimilation process in the copepod Calanus finmarchicus (Gunnerus) : computer simulations discussed in relation to experimental results

• Main Authors: Slagstad, D., Tande, K. S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Institut für Meereskunde 1981
• Subjects: Calanus finmarchicus; Copepods
• Online Access: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/56157/; https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/56157/1/Slagstad_D_1981.pdf

Feeding, digestion and assimilation are usually treated as separate aspects in studying the physioecology of copepods. A general model predicting the assimilation rate from ingestion rate, phytoplankton species compositon and digestive or physiological state of the animal is presented. The assumption is made that digestion is accompanied by a subsequent decrease in cell volume, which is equal to the assimilated part of the cell. In addition, a time delay between ingestion and the onset of digestion is assumed to describe the digestion properties of the algal cells. The model predicts a decrease in assimilation efficiency with increasing ration. The minimum gut passage time and the digestion rate seem to be the most important parameters for the production of copepods. These and other characteristics of the model are discussed in relation to available information.