Parameterisation of a zooplankton population model for Pseudocalanus elongatus using stage durations from laboratory experiments

Abstract

A zero-dimensional population model based on a copepod model by Fennel (2001) was parameterised according to the population dynamics of Pseudocalanus elongatus. Biological functions were chosen particularly and formulated to get realistic characteristics of growth and development under conditions of temperature and food reported for the North Sea. Parameter values for weight, hatching and assimilation were taken from the literature, employing robust values from various published studies and parameters derived from similar species. The influence of temperature on feeding and basal respiration and the half-saturation of ingestion were obtained indirectly by successive fitting of developmental times to stage durations observed from laboratory culture studies. A data set from Klein Breteler et al. (1995) was used, which includes estimates at temperatures of 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C each at food concentrations of <70, ∼100 and >200 μg C l −1. Simulations at each scenario showed the effectiveness of adjustments. The sensitivity of model parameter values was tested in terms of variances in generation times. The analysis exhibited the sensitivity of development to specific metabolic processes, while the importance of temperature is reflected in its recurrence within several processes. The model is able to represent consistent development patterns, while reflecting the physiological complexity of a population of P. elongatus.